Topic: retinoids

Investigate how carotenoids and their metabolites support photosynthesis, photoprotection, signalling and organismal health. Research presentations connect pigment biosynthesis and molecular function with retinoids, plant stress responses, animal coloration and human nutrition. The programme examines new metabolic pathways, crop biofortification, disease prevention and practical applications, with extensive discussion and poster sessions. 10–15 January: check-in begins Sunday at 14:00 and scientific introductions at 19:30; departure is Friday at 09:00. Times: America/Los_Angeles (PST, UTC−08:

Photoreceptor loss is the primary cause behind vision impairment and blindness in diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration. However, the death of rods and cones allows retinoids to permeate the inner retina, causing retinal ganglion cells to become spontaneously hyperactive, severely reducing the signal-to-noise ratio, and creating interference in the communication between the surviving retina and the brain. Treatments aimed at blocking or reducing hyperactivity improve vision initiated from surviving photoreceptors and could enhance the signal fidelity genera