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Science News for December 16, 2012


New technique could make cell-based immune therapies for cancer safer and more effective

Researchers have developed a new technique to create targeted immunotherapies for cancer, recognizing antigens on cancer cells that are not found on healthy cells. The approach uses chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) and costimulatory receptors (CCRs), allowing T cells to attack specific types of cancer cells while sparing normal cells.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateDec 16, 2012

Exploding star missing from formation of solar system

Researchers found iron 60, a radioactive sign of an exploding star, in low abundance and uniformly distributed in solar system material. The findings suggest the low levels of iron 60 likely came from long-term accumulation of iron 60 in interstellar medium rather than a nearby cataclysmic event.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateDec 16, 2012

Kidney failure under the microscope

Researchers at Monash University used advanced microscopy techniques to visualize the movements of white blood cells in healthy and diseased kidneys. They found that leukocytes are constantly circulating through and patrolling blood vessels within healthy kidneys, but become agitated during disease, causing inflammation and kidney damage.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Medicine·DateDec 16, 2012