Key Projects

Early Alzheimer Disease Detection

Our pioneering research is focused on developing early detection methods for Alzheimer’s disease using advanced imaging techniques and biochemical markers.

Early Alzheimer Disease Detection: A Revolutionary Approach

A major challenge in Alzheimer’s research is the lack of early detection methods and the inability to monitor disease progression before significant behavioral symptoms appear. Recent scientific studies suggest that changes in the retina could correlate with modifications in brain tissue, potentially offering a non-invasive method to detect Alzheimer’s disease.


At D-Tails, we are developing a cutting-edge solution focusing on the detection of Beta-Amyloid plaques and Tau protein aggregates in the retina. This includes the creation of fluorescent labels specific to Tau protein and advanced optical instrumentation capable of bypassing the eye’s resolution limits. Our goal is to develop a portable prototype to improve early detection and enable better patient outcomes.

Our innovative research combines biochemistry, biology, and optical engineering to develop new diagnostic tools for Alzheimer’s disease detection. Our next steps involve creating a portable imaging prototype for early diagnosis through retinal imaging.

Project Milestones

Discovery of Retinal Markers for Alzheimer’s Disease
December 2017

In our foundational research, we identified Beta-Amyloid plaques and Tau protein aggregates in the retina, directly linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

Development of Tau Protein-Specific Fluorescent Labels
April 2020

We created a novel fluorescent label capable of binding to Tau protein aggregates, offering a promising tool for in vivo imaging and early diagnosis.

Prototype Development of Retinal Imaging Device
2022 - Present

We are currently focused on developing a portable, high-resolution imaging device that will allow for non-invasive Alzheimer’s detection through retinal screening.

Papers

Our published studies advancing the science of early Alzheimer disease detection and retinal imaging

Identification of Retinal Beta-Amyloid Plaques in Alzheimer’s Patients

This study identifies key Beta-Amyloid plaques in the retina, providing a potential biomarker for early Alzheimer’s detection.

Fluorescent Labeling of Tau Protein Aggregates in the Retina

Describes the creation of Tau protein-specific fluorescent labels for in vivo tracking of Alzheimer’s disease progression through retinal imaging.

Retinal vs. Brain Tissue Analysis in Early Alzheimer’s Detection

A comparative study analyzing how retinal changes mirror those in brain tissue, offering a non-invasive pathway to early diagnosis.

Development of High-Resolution Retinal Imaging for Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

Outlines the technological advancements in retinal imaging, allowing for detailed visualization of microscopic Tau protein aggregates.

Neural Network Applications for Alzheimer’s Imaging

Explores the use of neural networks to enhance the speed and accuracy of image analysis in Alzheimer’s retinal diagnostics.

Biological Impact of Retinal Changes in Alzheimer’s Disease

This paper investigates how retinal modifications could be an early indicator of Alzheimer’s, correlating with cognitive decline.

Portable Retinal Imaging Device for Alzheimer’s Detection

Discusses the engineering challenges and breakthroughs in creating a portable imaging device for early Alzheimer’s detection.

Fluorescent Labels for Systemic Administration in Alzheimer’s Research

An in-depth analysis of systemically administered fluorescent labels for tracking Alzheimer’s progression through retinal imaging.

Biochemistry of Tau Aggregates in Retinal and Brain Tissues

A biochemical exploration of how Tau protein behaves in both retinal and brain tissues, providing insight into Alzheimer’s mechanisms.

Optical Enhancements in Retinal Imaging for Neurodegenerative Diseases

Outlines how recent advancements in optical instrumentation are improving the resolution and accuracy of retinal imaging for Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

Beta-Amyloid and Tau Proteins as Retinal Biomarkers for Alzheimer’s

Explores the potential of Beta-Amyloid and Tau proteins as reliable biomarkers for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease through non-invasive methods.

Linking Retinal Microstructures to Alzheimer’s Pathology

Investigates the microstructural changes in the retina and how these relate to Alzheimer’s pathology, offering new diagnostic possibilities.

Real-World Application: Tau Protein Imaging

In a clinical study, our newly developed Tau protein-specific fluorescent labels were used to successfully identify microscopic Tau aggregates in retinal tissue. This represents a major step forward in non-invasive Alzheimer’s diagnosis, allowing for the detection of early-stage disease without the need for brain scans.

Moving forward, we aim to scale this technology and integrate it with our portable retinal imaging device, providing a practical, non-invasive solution for Alzheimer’s screening in clinical settings.

Bibliography

Discover the key research contributions that are pushing the boundaries of early Alzheimer disease detection.

Retinal Biomarkers for Early Alzheimer’s Disease Detection

This foundational study identifies key retinal biomarkers, such as Beta-Amyloid plaques, that are correlated with Alzheimer’s pathology.

Tau Protein Aggregation in Retinal and Brain Tissues

An in-depth study exploring the behavior of Tau protein aggregates in both retinal and brain tissues, providing a link between ocular and neurological changes in Alzheimer’s disease.

Fluorescent Labeling of Tau Aggregates for Retinal Imaging

Development of a novel fluorescent label specifically targeting Tau aggregates in the retina, paving the way for early-stage Alzheimer’s diagnostics.

High-Resolution Retinal Imaging in Alzheimer’s Patients

This paper discusses the advancements in retinal imaging technology that allow for the detection of Alzheimer’s-specific changes at a microscopic level.

Non-Invasive Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease via Retinal Imaging

A groundbreaking study that outlines how non-invasive retinal scans can detect early signs of Alzheimer’s before clinical symptoms arise.

Beta-Amyloid and Tau Proteins as Retinal Biomarkers

An analysis of how Beta-Amyloid and Tau proteins found in the retina could serve as reliable biomarkers for early Alzheimer’s detection.

Neural Network Applications for Alzheimer’s Detection in Retinal Imaging

This research focuses on the application of neural networks to improve the speed and accuracy of image processing in Alzheimer’s retinal diagnostics.

Comparative Study of Retinal and Brain Changes in Alzheimer’s Disease

A comparative study highlighting the parallels between retinal and brain modifications in Alzheimer’s disease, providing a new approach to early diagnosis.

Portable Retinal Imaging Devices for Alzheimer’s Detection

This paper explores the engineering challenges and breakthroughs in creating portable retinal imaging devices for Alzheimer’s screening.

Fluorescent Labels for Tau Protein Aggregates: Clinical Applications

A comprehensive overview of the clinical applications of fluorescent labels for tracking Tau protein aggregates in retinal tissues.

Optical Advancements in Retinal Imaging for Neurodegenerative Disease Detection

A discussion on recent optical technology advancements that have improved the detection capabilities for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s through retinal imaging.

Retinal Changes as Predictive Markers for Alzheimer’s Disease Progression

This study explores how changes in retinal structure can be used as predictive markers for Alzheimer’s progression, offering a new avenue for early intervention.

Join Us in Advancing Alzheimer’s Research

Collaborate with us to push the boundaries of early Alzheimer’s detection technology.
Contact us to learn more about our research or explore partnership opportunities.