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New technology could make biopsies a thing of the past

A new technology called MediSCAPE has been developed by Columbia Engineers that can capture real-time cellular detail in living tissues. This allows doctors to make informed decisions about tumor removal without needing to remove tissue and wait for pathology results.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateMar 28, 2022

Half of all women experience false positive mammograms after 10 years of annual screening

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that half of all women will experience at least one false positive mammogram over a decade of annual breast cancer screening with 3D mammography. The risk of false positives is lower for women screened every other year, and non-dense breasts also show a lower false positive risk.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 25, 2022
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

New screening tool IDs 95 percent of stage 1 pancreatic cancer

A novel screening platform has successfully detected over 95% of stage 1 pancreatic cancers using artificial intelligence-enabled protein marker analysis, outperforming current liquid biopsy tests in accuracy. This technology holds promise for early cancer detection and reducing mortality from this deadly disease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCommunications Medicine·DateMar 21, 2022

City of Hope researcher advises doctors against overreliance on a popular liquid biopsy used to screen for colorectal cancer recurrence

A recent study by City of Hope researchers highlights the limitations of Signatera, a popular liquid biopsy test for detecting colorectal cancer recurrence. The study found that standard-of-care CT scan plus CEA blood draw test was more effective in identifying early disease recurrence.

SourceCity of Hope·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 8, 2022
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.

Follow-up costs can add up if a free cancer screening shows a potential problem

New studies from Michigan Medicine researchers aim to remove financial barriers for patients who receive abnormal test results, enabling them to complete the diagnostic process. The findings suggest that removing cost barriers could save lives by increasing screening uptake, particularly among women and underserved populations.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 14, 2022

New assay shows promise for advancing personalized cancer treatment

Researchers have developed a rapid and affordable test to identify specific genetic mutations in cancer cells using SuperSelective PCR primers. This assay can detect rare mutations, enabling targeted therapy and monitoring minimal residual disease. The study demonstrates the potential of this approach for personalized cancer treatment.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2022

Architectural distortion on digital breast tomosynthesis with nonmalignant pathology

A retrospective study found that the upgrade rate of architectural distortion on digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) to malignancy was 10.2% for radial scars without atypia and 28.2% for those with atypia. Imaging surveillance is considered an alternative to surgery for these cases.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 2, 2022

Acceleration of cancer biomarker detection for point of care diagnostics

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new approach to detect cancer biomarkers in human serum, reducing the detection time from hours to just one minute. This method uses magnetic-plasmonic nanoparticles and photonic resonator absorption microscopy to achieve high selectivity and rapid sample-to-answer analysis.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 28, 2022
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

New study determines parentage, age, and survival of North Atlantic right whales using genetic testing

A new study published in Mammalian Biology analyzed the life history data of 13 North Atlantic right whales using genetic samples and photo identification. The researchers found that four calves previously thought to be dead survived, revealing a significant variation in calf separation time from mothers and physical development.

SourceNew England Aquarium·JournalMammalian Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 20, 2022

Undescended testis: fate of fertility predicted by blood biomarkers

A recent study published in The Journal of Urology found that serum hormone ratios can predict the risk of future infertility in children with cryptorchidism. Researchers discovered that inhibin B levels and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) are significant markers of spermatogenesis, helping to identify boys at high risk of infertility.

SourceNagoya City University·JournalThe Journal of Urology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 19, 2022
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

First melanoma test to offer reassurance of low risk of cancer spread

A pioneering test called AMBLor has been developed to predict the spread or return of skin cancer. By analyzing primary tumor biopsies, the test identifies patients at low risk of disease progression, providing them with more accurate information and personalized prognosis.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalBritish Journal of Dermatology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2022

Researchers develop optical biopsy system that detects liver cancer

The new technology can reliably distinguish between cancerous and healthy liver tissue, aiding diagnosis and potentially reducing errors in biopsies. The researchers plan to continue measuring fluorescence lifetime parameters in patients with different types of tumors to generate real-time diagnostic classifiers.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateJan 6, 2022

New analysis approach could increase the number of usable donor kidneys

Researchers developed a new SERS-based multiplexing technique to detect kidney injury biomarkers SLPI and IL-18, achieving high sensitivity and reliability. The approach shows promise for objectively assessing donor kidney quality, potentially reducing discard rates and recipient complications in clinical practice.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022

New liquid biopsy detects local immune activity

A new blood test developed at Hebrew University of Jerusalem detects immune and inflammatory activity in tissues by monitoring circulating DNA fragments. This method provides accurate information about immune processes in remote tissues, removing the need for invasive measures.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Recalled noncalcified lesions: ultrasound vs. ultrasound plus mammography

A prospective study found that ultrasound alone adequately completed the diagnostic evaluation of 71.2% of noncalcified lesions, diagnosed 92.1% of cancers, and yielded a sensitivity of 94.9%. Radiologists should consider performing ultrasound first for digital breast tomosynthesis-recalled noncalcified masses.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 15, 2021

New AI system provides the consistent endoscopic evaluation

Researchers developed an AI system to detect inflammation in ulcerative colitis patients using live colonoscopy videos. The system accurately predicted remission cases with high accuracy, reducing the need for invasive biopsies.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalThe Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology·DateDec 13, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tumor evolution

Researchers analyzed 140 neuroblastoma samples to understand the genetic changes associated with the disease. They found that mutations can disappear and reappear, occurring in distinct sections or individual cells, making targeted therapy less effective.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 10, 2021

3D imaging method may help doctors better determine prostate cancer aggressiveness

A team from the University of Washington has developed a non-destructive 3D imaging method that can help doctors more accurately diagnose borderline cases of prostate cancer. The new approach uses 3D images to identify complex features in tissue samples, which can increase the likelihood of correctly predicting a cancer's aggressiveness.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalCancer Research·DateDec 9, 2021

New imaging technology developed by UCLA research team may reduce need for skin biopsies

A new virtual histology technology may reduce the need for invasive skin biopsies, providing a biopsy-free solution for rapid diagnosis of malignant skin tumors. The technology uses deep-learning frameworks to transform images of intact skin into detailed, virtually stained images.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalLight Science & Applications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Bright prospects for OCT at 30

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has significant growth potential across various medical applications, including cardiology and dermatology. Miniaturized OCT systems are expected to revolutionize healthcare with compact, mobile, and cost-effective devices.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 21, 2021

Liquid biopsy gives new insight into breast cancer prognosis

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital found that liquid biopsy can accurately identify patients with poor breast cancer prognosis. High integrity of circulating DNA is associated with a poor prognosis, enabling earlier and more accurate detection of breast cancer. The study's findings have si...

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalCancers·DateOct 5, 2021
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

When a free cancer check finds something, could cost keep patients from following up?

New studies show that patients with abnormal screening results may face significant out-of-pocket costs for follow-up tests, potentially delaying care. For women, colposcopy costs rose sharply over 13 years, with some facing bills of nearly $1,000. Lung cancer screening CT scans also led to high costs for invasive procedures.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 1, 2021

For good measure: A virtual ruler estimates the size of colorectal polyps

Researchers developed a method to overlay a virtual scale on acquired endoscope images in real-time, allowing accurate estimation of colorectal polyp sizes. The approach uses triangulation principles and minimal image processing, enabling cost-effective diagnosis without adding extra instrumentation.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2021
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Study identifies molecule that stimulates muscle-building in humans

Researchers found that consuming dileucine enhances the metabolic processes driving muscle growth, resulting in a 42% increase in protein synthesis. In contrast, leucine alone showed no significant impact on protein breakdown, highlighting the molecule's potential as a signaling agent for muscle-building pathways.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 9, 2021

Topical molecular imaging tracer enables real-time detection of cervical cancer

Researchers developed a topical fluorescent imaging agent targeting PARP1 enzyme in cervical cancer cells, enabling real-time detection with handheld microscopes. This non-invasive method could revolutionize cervical cancer screenings and biopsies, especially in low-resource areas.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJul 27, 2021
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Screening often misses endometrial cancer in Black women

A study found that transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) screening missed over four times more cases of endometrial cancer among Black women compared to White women. The screening tool was not sufficiently accurate or racially equitable for Black women, putting them at a higher risk of false-negative results.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateJul 15, 2021

MRI can cut overdiagnoses in prostate-cancer screening by half

A new study suggests that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based screening can reduce unnecessary biopsies and detect clinically significant tumours while halving overdiagnoses. The results come from a randomized study conducted at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 9, 2021

AI and computer vision remove the need for cell biopsy in testing embryos

A new study suggests that AI can visually distinguish between euploid and aneuploid embryos based on their cell activity, potentially removing the need for cell biopsy in embryo testing. The AI-based system achieved 73% sensitivity and specificity in its results, offering a fast and economical alternative to current non-invasive methods.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·DateJun 28, 2021
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Blood test detects childhood tumors based on their epigenetic profiles

A new study uses liquid biopsy analysis to detect and classify childhood tumors based on their unique epigenetic signatures. This approach enables minimally invasive diagnosis and monitoring without the need for tumor biopsies, holding promise for improved treatment outcomes and personalized therapies.

SourceSt. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 28, 2021

21st century medical needles for high-tech cancer diagnostics

Researchers have developed ultrasonically oscillating needles that provide sufficient tissue samples for 21st century diagnostic needs, potentially reducing pain and trauma. The technology increases biopsy yields by 3 to 6 times compared to traditional needles, enabling high-tech cancer treatment options.

SourceAalto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 21, 2021
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Breast cancer screening recalls: simple MRI measurement could avoid 30% of biopsies

A research team from MedUni Vienna has confirmed a threshold value for a non-invasive imaging biomarker in breast cancer screening. This can be incorporated into short standard MRI scans to reduce biopsy rates by 30%. DWI, a special MRI technique, measures the motion of water molecules and can indicate whether a biopsy is necessary.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateMar 1, 2021

Liquid biopsy for colorectal cancer could guide therapy for tumors

A new study shows that liquid biopsies can detect lingering disease in patients with oligometastatic colorectal cancer, guiding treatment decisions. The biopsies identify patients who may benefit from immune therapies or targeted treatments based on mutations detected in blood samples.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJCO Precision Oncology·DateFeb 12, 2021

HKBU and CUHK launch Spermine Risk Score for prostate cancer diagnosis

The new risk score, developed by HKBU and CUHK researchers, uses urine spermine levels to estimate a patient's risk of developing prostate cancer. The test has been shown to accurately identify high-risk patients and help reduce unnecessary biopsies.

SourceHong Kong Baptist University·JournalProstate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases·DateFeb 8, 2021
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Too many donor kidneys are discarded in U.S. before transplantation

A US study finds that many donor kidneys are discarded due to low-quality tissue, yet can function acceptably when transplanted. The study suggests that procurement biopsies add little value and may even reduce the supply of available kidneys.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 15, 2020

'Vanished' or 'hidden' prostate cancer? Men with negative biopsies during active surveillance have good outcomes

A study of 514 men undergoing active surveillance for early-stage prostate cancer found that those with negative biopsies had more favorable clinical characteristics and excellent long-term outcomes. Negative biopsies indicated low-volume disease with lower rates of disease progression, supporting continued active surveillance.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateNov 17, 2020
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle biopsy excellent for small pleural lesions diagnosis

A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle biopsy is highly accurate for diagnosing small pleural lesions with nodular morphology or thickness over 4.5 mm. The procedure yielded a diagnostic accuracy rate of 85.4% and a 96.4% yield rate for nodular CT lesions.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateNov 6, 2020

Liquid biopsies timely and effective testing method for NSCLC patients in Canada

Researchers at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre found that over 80% of advanced NSCLC patients had genomic alterations detected in cfDNA. Liquid biopsies were shown to be a timely and effective method for diagnosing and monitoring the disease, with actionable alterations detected in over 56% of treatment-naïve patients.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·DateOct 2, 2020

Liquid biopsy faster than tissue biopsy, improves time to treat

A pilot study comparing liquid biopsy with tissue-based test found that liquid biopsy results were approximately 10 days faster than tissue biopsy. Liquid biopsy identified actionable genes in 14 cases, while tissue biopsy only detected them in 11 cases.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·DateOct 2, 2020
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

New 'nanopores' technique offers proof-of-concept of earlier, safer tumor detection

Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology have developed a nanopore technique that can detect single-point mutations in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) with high accuracy. The method uses statistical analysis to identify the position of genetic mutations, paving the way for earlier and safer tumor detection.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalSmall Methods·DateAug 18, 2020

Targetd ultrasound for noninvasive diagnosis of brain cancer

Washington University researchers are developing a method to diagnose brain tumors without incisions, using ultrasonic energy to target tumors deep in the brain. The technique involves injecting microbubbles that rupture, releasing biomarkers from the tumor into the blood for testing with a blood draw, called a liquid biopsy.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateAug 6, 2020

Challenges in diagnosing hypersensitivity pneumonitis addressed in latest guidelines

The American Thoracic Society and its collaborators have developed new clinical practice guidelines for diagnosing hypersensitivity pneumonitis, a condition that manifests as interstitial lung disease. The guidelines aim to standardize clinical care and facilitate research by providing a framework for clinicians to make accurate diagno...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 3, 2020