A phase 3 study found that ibrutinib significantly lengthened progression-free survival as a second-line therapy for CLL, with 86% of patients on ibrutinib experiencing durable responses. Ibrutinib also showed superior results compared to ofatumumab in terms of overall survival and partial response rates.
The Population Council presented new research on male contraception, including a hormonal implant that inhibits sperm production and a study on a combined transdermal gel. The council also discussed 'green contraception,' which refers to methods that minimize environmental impact.
Exome sequencing may miss a high proportion of clinically relevant regions in key disease-causing genes, raising concerns about patient diagnosis. The study's findings highlight the need for improved methods to provide reliable coverage of these genes.
Research identifies new ways to ease cancer therapy effects and enhance patient well-being, from fertility preservation techniques to earlier palliative care. Studies show improved survival rates and reduced side effects for certain treatments.
A combination therapy of vermurafenib, cetuximab and irinotecan has shown significant improvements in patients with advanced colorectal cancer, achieving a 50% response rate in an early Phase I trial. The treatment targets BRAF-mutated patients who have previously shown poor response rates to single-agent therapies.
A clinical trial has shown that a combination of drugs, including olaparib and cediranib, can significantly improve progression-free survival for patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. The study found that the combination therapy doubled the benefit of using olaparib alone.
Researchers report promising results from a phase I study on MPDL3280A, an investigational drug for treating advanced bladder cancer. The trial showed improved response rates among patients with PD-L1-positive tumors, with 7% achieving complete responses.
Research reveals that hospital mortality rates are highest following surgery during afternoon hours, on weekends, and in February. A study of 218,758 patients found a significant increase in risk of death during these times.
Researchers presented promising results from four clinical trials featuring new targeted drugs for advanced ovarian, lung and thyroid cancers, as well as chronic lymphocytic leukemia. These treatments showed potential to slow disease progression and improve survival rates for patients with relapses or treatment resistance.
A University of Colorado Cancer Center study found NTRK1 mutations in over 1% of non-small cell lung cancer patients. The study also developed a test for rapid detection of NTRK1 oncogenes, marking a new frontier in lung cancer treatment.
A non-invasive breath test has been developed to detect lung cancer by analyzing volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath. The device can distinguish between patients with lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as define the stage of any present cancer.
The European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care invites speakers to challenge common assumptions about end-of-life care. Raanan Gillon presents a case for weighing individual patient circumstances over age when deciding on life-prolonging therapies.
OMP-54F28, a Wnt inhibitor targeting cancer stem cells, has shown promising results in a Phase I clinical trial. The drug was generally well-tolerated and resulted in stable disease for over six months in several patients with advanced solid tumors.
Researchers have found that crizotinib produces significant responses in patients with intermediate and high MET amplification, resulting in a 60-67% overall objective response rate. The drug showed early activity against MET-dependent cells in preclinical laboratory studies.
Researchers at Mount Sinai present promising findings on innovative treatments for recurrent ovarian cancer, molecular profiling of bile duct and gallbladder cancers, and adjuvant therapy for melanoma. The studies demonstrate encouraging results for patients with these rare and often fatal diseases.
A study of 55 million people worldwide adds evidence that weekend hospital admissions have a higher mortality rate compared to weekdays. The analysis found patients admitted on weekends had an increased risk of death, with subgroup analysis revealing this trend in nearly all categories.
A phase I and II clinical trial demonstrated a near doubling of progression-free survival benefit for the combination therapy compared to olaparib alone. The study results showed significant improvement with the use of the combination drug therapy for recurrent ovarian cancer, suggesting a new treatment option for patients.
The researchers identified the molecular structure of a protein complex that plays an important role in regulating the circadian rhythm. The complex contains a zinc ion, which stabilizes it and may play a key role in regulating metabolic processes.
A new study using next-generation DNA sequencing shows that it can accurately screen embryos for genetic disease prior to implantation, improving outcomes in IVF treatments. The technique has been shown to be effective, reliable and cost-efficient, resulting in more ongoing pregnancies.
Researchers found that HCV reactivation did not negatively impact overall survival for HIV+ patients diagnosed with lymphoma. In fact, the study suggests these patients can tolerate chemotherapy without adverse outcomes, paving the way for increased enrollment in cancer clinical trials.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that saliva enzymes, blood proteins, and muscle proteins can protect against DNA damage caused by pyrogallol-like polyphenols (PLPs) in teas, coffees, and liquid smoke flavorings. The presence of these defenses may explain why PLPs are not causing widespread illness despite their toxic effects.
A new software tool, pVAAST, has been developed to identify genetic mutations that contribute to an individual's increased risk of developing complex diseases. The tool combines two statistical methods, linkage analysis and association tests, to find disease-causing gene mutations more efficiently.
A new method of wormlike motion allows gels to swim in water, expanding their potential applications as environmental and biotechnological tools. This breakthrough was achieved by a UC undergraduate student with the help of his advisers, enabling soft materials to explore new areas such as surface waters or cavities inside the human body.
Researchers found that narcissists lack empathy, but under instruction to take another's perspective, they showed increased empathy. Perspective-taking led to physiological responses similar to those of non-narcissistic individuals, indicating a capacity for empathetic response given the right conditions.
Researchers create pulse picking technique to enable users to select individual x-ray pulses on demand for high-resolution time-of-flight spectrometers. This allows for more precise band structure examinations in materials science.
A study found that removing JAK2 from healthy hematopoietic stem cells accelerates leukemia in mice, causing a rapid increase in cancerous cells. Healthy cells, however, are severely impaired and often disappear due to the loss of JAK2.
A recent study found that discontinuing statins in patients with advanced illnesses resulted in improved overall quality of life and lower costs. Patients who stopped taking statins appeared to live slightly longer and reported better psychological wellbeing.
Scientists at the University of Vienna observe random diffusion of a butterfly-shaped atomic defect in graphene, revealing a random walk through the crystal. The study uses high-resolution electron microscopy to track the defect's migration over time.
A study published in Science reveals that eradicating invasive species can sometimes harm endangered ones, such as the California Clapper Rail. The researchers found that slowing down invasive species eradication allows for restoration or natural recovery of the ecosystem, providing suitable habitat for the endangered species.
A retrospective analysis of adjuvant chemotherapy's impact on overall survival in patients with stage III soft tissue sarcomas (STS) found a significant benefit. Patients treated with adjuvant chemotherapy had an improved median overall survival, with a 23% increase compared to those not treated.
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center found that genetic mutations in three specific genes can predict which bladder cancer patients will benefit from early chemotherapy. Patients with these mutations are more likely to respond to treatment and have a higher chance of being cancer-free after surgery.
Researchers found that standard checklist approaches to studying menopause symptoms neglect non-Western women's understanding of their own experience. Dr Mwenza T. Blell's study highlights the importance of adopting alternative approaches to capture varied beliefs and understandings of menopause.
A team of German and Italian researchers captured the first real-time movies of light-induced electron transfer in organic solar cells. The findings suggest that the quantum-mechanical nature of electrons and their coupling to nuclei is crucial for charge transfer, with potential implications for optimizing device efficiency.
Leslie L. Robison, a St. Jude Children's Research Hospital researcher, has received the Pediatric Oncology Award for his contributions to childhood cancer survivorship research. Studies funded by Robison have shown that childhood cancer survivors are at an increased risk of developing new cancers and chronic health problems.
The investigational agent DMOT4039A, a combination of chemotherapeutic agent and antibody, showed initial evidence of anti-cancer activity in a phase I clinical trial for pancreatic and ovarian cancers. The drug targets mesothelin-rich cancer cells, reducing the risk of off-target effects.
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center halted a trial after 23% of patients experienced severe cardiovascular events while receiving a chemotherapy regimen. The study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of gemcitabine and cisplatin in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer.
Researchers at MIT have developed a system that enables printable robotic components to fold into prescribed three-dimensional configurations when heated, allowing for the creation of fully assembled robots. The technology also includes designs for resistors, inductors, and capacitors, as well as sensors and actuators.
A new study found that prostate cancer patients who underwent external beam radiation therapy were 70% more likely to develop rectal cancer and 40% more likely for bladder cancer. Survivors should be aware of symptoms such as pelvic pain, difficulty urinating, or blood in stool to monitor for potential secondary cancers.
Researchers found that discontinuing statins in patients with advanced illnesses resulted in improved overall quality of life and lower costs without increased deaths. Patients who stopped taking statins appeared to live slightly longer, with median survival times of 229 days compared to 190 days for those continuing the drug.
Researchers at NIST have created a new laser-based instrument that simulates sunlight across a broad spectrum, allowing for accurate testing of solar cell properties and potential efficiency boosts. The instrument uses optical-fiber amplifier technology to boost power and a photonic crystal fiber to broaden the spectrum.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have successfully fabricated blood vessels using 3D bioprinting technology, addressing a critical challenge in tissue engineering. The approach involves printing agarose fibers that become the blood vessel channels, allowing for physical removal of template layers and improved cell viability.
Myriad Genetics Inc. presented new data on its BRACAnalysis CDx and HRD tests, supporting their clinical efficacy in predicting platinum-based therapy response for triple negative breast cancer patients. The company also announced an early access launch of the HRD test in FY15.
Researchers have discovered a new target, human plastin 3 (PLS3), that may be critical for the treatment of osteoporosis. Injection of PLS3 or related proteins in zebrafish where it has been suppressed can replace its loss and repair bone development anomalies.
Researchers have discovered how lemurs fight the Cryptosporidium parasite using next-generation sequencing technology. This breakthrough could aid in conservation efforts and develop new methods for detecting and treating the infection.
A new study by Clemson University researchers found that media coverage can influence how players and fans perceive injuries in sports. Positive framing of players who sit out or play through injuries is often viewed as a sign of toughness, while negative framing can lead to perceptions of weakness.
A new Arizona State University study examines the impact of urbanization on heat-related mortality in Maricopa County. The research found that projections of heat-related mortality range from a decrease of 46 deaths per year to an increase of 339 deaths per year, with nighttime temperatures being a significant concern.
Researchers found that patients with CNSi at diagnosis were nearly three times as likely to have CNSr during treatment, which is associated with poor prognosis. However, CNSi did not appear to impact overall survival, suggesting a need for improved diagnostic tools and treatments.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine found that coaxing iPS cells in the laboratory to become more-specialized progeny cells before transplantation into mice allows them to be tolerated by the immune system. This process reduces the risk of rejection and eliminates the need for immunosuppression.
The Global Precipitation Measurement Core Observatory satellite has completed its check-out period and started its mission, collecting observations of rainfall and snowfall. The satellite's two science instruments have been calibrated and are now producing accurate data on weather elements such as thunderstorms.
A University of Liverpool study found that eating prunes daily improved weight loss by 1.5kg over 12 weeks, while also reducing waist circumference. Prune consumption enhanced feelings of fullness and was well-tolerated despite high doses.
A recent study published in Metabolomics found that EGCG, a green tea extract, disrupts the balance of metabolic pathways in pancreatic cancer cells, reducing their growth and increasing the risk of cancer. Researchers also identified an enzyme inhibitor, oxamate, which operates in a similar manner.
Jackson Laboratory Assistant Professors Jennifer Trowbridge and Chengkai Dai have received federal research grants to investigate acute myeloid leukemia and metformin's anti-cancer effects. They aim to elucidate specific problems in key areas of cancer research.
A new clinical trial found that adding goserelin to chemotherapy regimens for premenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer significantly reduced the risk of early menopause. The study also showed improved overall survival rates and a higher pregnancy rate in the goserelin group.
University of Illinois researchers develop new technique to induce mouse embryonic stem cells to form three distinct germ layers, a crucial step towards regenerative medicine. The study provides insights into the biological process controlling tissue development and opens doors for efficient organ generation.
The Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) successfully observed a gigantic coronal mass ejection (CME) on May 9, 2014. The spacecraft caught the event in extraordinary detail, revealing its unprecedented size and structure.
Researchers from NIST and University of Maryland's Joint Quantum Institute found that speeding up part of a light beam past the speed of light results in lost quantum data. The team explored what this means for quantum information transfer in quantum computers, suggesting that quantum noise and distortion set an information speed limit.
Research from the University of Leeds suggests that exposing infants to new vegetables early on encourages healthy eating habits. Studies found that younger children consume more artichoke than older kids and that repeated exposures can increase intake over time.
Researchers discovered how a plant-virus protein suppresses a key plant defense mechanism that remembers viral genetic information. The enzyme cluster formation caused by TGBp1 disrupts the recording of viral genetic information, reducing plant resistance to infection.
A Cochrane review found that rectal artesunate reduces deaths in young children with severe malaria, but its use in older children and adults is less clear due to low-quality evidence. The treatment could be a lifesaver in rural areas where injections are unavailable.
Developing neurons use the receptors DCC and neogenin to detect Netrin-1, guiding their growth towards anatomical boundaries. This understanding may lead to the development of drugs for spinal cord or brain injuries.