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Science News for December 7, 2014


Combination therapy shown as effective for higher-risk MDS/AML patients

A phase two study demonstrated that a combination of azacitidine and lenalidomide is an effective frontline treatment regimen for patients with higher-risk forms of myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia. The therapy was well tolerated in the study of 88 patients.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalBlood·DateDec 7, 2014

Researchers at Mainz University explore new approach for treating Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at Mainz University have discovered that a psoriasis medication may be effective in treating Alzheimer's disease by stimulating the activity of the enzyme ADAM10, which could lead to reduced accumulation of Alzheimer's plaques. The medication was well-tolerated and showed promise in enhancing learning and memory capacity.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNeurology·DateDec 7, 2014
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Study shows improved survival in aggressive acute myeloid leukemia

A phase three study has demonstrated increased survival rates among AML patients who relapse, with combination therapy employing cytarabine and vosaroxin showing significant benefits. Patients over 60 years old experienced the greatest overall survival benefit from the treatment.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateDec 7, 2014

Oral inhibitor shows clinical activity in poor-prognosis AML

A phase 2 multicenter trial of ABT-199 found encouraging results in patients with relapsed or resistant acute myelogenous leukemia, with five patients achieving eradication and several more experiencing stable disease. The oral inhibitor targets the BCL-2 protein, which is linked to resistance and poor prognosis in AML patients.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·DateDec 7, 2014

Young adults with ALL benefit from therapies developed for children

A recent clinical trial found that young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who received high-intensity pediatric protocols had better overall survival rates, with 78% achieving overall survival and 66% maintaining event-free survival. This is a significant improvement over previous studies for this age range.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·DateDec 7, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Study shows new kind of targeted drug has promise for leukemia patients

In an early-phase clinical trial, a new type of cancer therapy targeting the IDH2 gene produced dramatic results in patients with advanced leukemia. The study found that AG-221 blocked the mutated protein, allowing immature white blood cells to develop normally and leading to complete or partial remissions.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·DateDec 7, 2014

Finding the Achilles' heel of GaN-based LEDs in harsh radiation environments

Researchers investigated GaN-based LED structure irradiation with protons and found increased resistance in p-type GaN layers compared to n-type. The observed increase is attributed to lower initial carrier density in p-type GaN, resulting from inadequate doping technology.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalIEICE Transactions on Electronics·DateDec 7, 2014

Penn researchers announce latest results of investigational cellular therapy

The latest trial results show a response rate of over 90% among pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients, with complete responses in 92% and remission rates of 70%. The therapy also demonstrates promise for non-Hodgkin lymphomas, including a 100% response rate in follicular lymphoma patients.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateDec 7, 2014
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

New study identifies first gene associated with familial glioma

Researchers have identified a gene associated with familial glioma, suggesting that certain individuals may be genetically predisposed to the disease. The POT1 gene mutation is linked to lower-grade oligodendroglioma, which is more sensitive to radiation therapy, and raises hopes for improved treatments and preventive strategies.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 7, 2014