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MD Anderson Research Highlights for December 18, 2024

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have made significant breakthroughs in smoking cessation treatments, with a study finding that varenicline plus counseling is the most effective treatment for individuals with major depressive disorder. Additionally, a new radiotherapy technique demonstrates effectiveness in treating metastatic ...

What is metformin’s secret sauce?

A new Northwestern Medicine study reveals how metformin lowers glucose levels by targeting mitochondrial complex I in cells. The drug also improves COVID outcomes and reduces inflammation, suggesting that mitochondrial complex I inhibition may be a unifying mechanism behind its diverse effects.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

How this cancer drug could make radiation a slam dunk therapy

Researchers combine a precision cancer drug with an antibody and radiation therapy to eliminate tumors without causing side effects. The approach uses the cancer drug as a molecular flag for cancerous cells, allowing immune cells to target them. This method has shown promise in eliminating lung cancer in mice with minimal side effects.

Filling out the roadmap for faster drug approvals

A new review published in Blood Cancer Discovery outlines how research supported a recent FDA committee decision to allow minimal residual disease as an endpoint for accelerated approval in multiple myeloma. This decision could cut a decade off the drug development process, enabling faster innovation in cancer treatment.

AML, sickle cell disease research among highlights of UC ASH abstracts

Researchers have identified a promising new drug, lomonitinib, targeting treatment-resistant acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with FLT-3 mutation. Additionally, they developed a novel compound to target MALT1 protein in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), aiming to provide better control of the disease.

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.

A new method for efficient synthesis of anti-cancer drugs

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have developed a new, highly selective and efficient method for synthesizing anti-cancer compounds. The innovative approach uses isopropyl magnesium bromide as a base to improve selectivity and scalability.

Opioids interfere with cancer immunotherapy but these drugs could help

New research from the University of Pittsburgh found that opioids can suppress the immune system and reduce the effectiveness of immunotherapy for head and neck cancer. However, peripherally restricted OPRM1 antagonists (PAMORAs) may block opioid-induced immunosuppression and improve response rates to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.

Unexpected discovery revives abandoned breast cancer treatment

A new study has solved a years-old mystery about which patients with aggressive breast cancer are helped by a targeted cancer treatment. The researchers found that low levels of the protein IGFBP7 can predict which patients will benefit from the treatment, providing hope for its continued development.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Gluing treatment to cancer

Combining PVA with a boron-containing compound improved the effects of radiation therapy for cancer, making it more selective of tumor cells and prolonging drug retention. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatment options for challenging cancers.

Scientists find why tamoxifen works better for some people

A new study has found that tamoxifen works better for some people due to their unique gut microbiota. Researchers discovered a specific enzyme, beta-glucuronidase, in certain bacteria that helps recycle the drug into its effective form. This finding may lead to tailored treatment interventions for breast cancer patients.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

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.

Genetic variation enhances cancer drug sensitivity

A recent study from Uppsala University found that genetic variation in cancer cells can enhance the effects of an already approved cancer drug, talazoparib, against liver cancer cells lacking a functional CYP2D6 enzyme. This suggests a potential for more individually tailored and effective cancer therapies.

Scientists use microcellular drones to deliver lung cancer-killing drugs

Researchers successfully delivered anti-cancer ASO molecules to lung tumor sites using human red blood cells, demonstrating potent anti-cancer effects against NSCLC. The approach utilizes EGFR-targeting moieties to home in on cancerous cells, offering a potentially powerful treatment modality for personalized cancer medicine.

New antibody could be promising cancer treatment

Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a unique antibody that targets and delivers a drug package while activating the immune system. This '3-in-1 design' method has shown promise in treating several types of cancer by amplifying T cell effect on cancer tumors.

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.

An old drug with new tricks

A new study by MUSC researchers reveals how cancer cells develop resistance to hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial drug repurposed for cancer therapy. The findings suggest that targeting specific metabolic and export pathways can prevent resistance, opening the door for novel combination therapies.

Novel immunotherapy combo shows promise in melanoma

A phase 2 clinical trial found that the combination of vidutolimod and nivolumab led to tumor control in 55% of patients, with higher levels of immune-related proteins detected in responders. The study also uncovered unique signatures of TLR9 activation and a link between gut microbiome and response to therapy.

New anti-cancer agent works without oxygen

A new anti-cancer agent has been developed that targets glutathione in cancer cells, switching it off and causing tumor shrinkage. The catalyst-based therapy accumulates specifically in tumor tissue, showing promising results in animal studies and potential for further human trials.

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.

Project Cure CRC awards nearly $5 million in research funding

The Colorectal Cancer Alliance's Project Cure CRC has awarded nearly $5 million in research grants to advance urgent science in colorectal cancer. Recent awardees are working on topics such as radioimmunotherapy, CRISPR technology, and the protein drug ProAgio to better understand and treat this disease.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Fyodor Urnov on clinical crisis in CRISPR genome editing

Dr. Fyodor Urnav proposes a set of initiatives to address the crisis, including pooling patients by syndrome and permitting multiple gene editors in a single Investigational New Drug application. This approach aims to accelerate the development of CRISPR therapies for rare genetic diseases.

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.

Cancer drug resistance causes and categories identified

A new study has identified four categories of cancer mutations that cause drug resistance, providing targets for drug development and potential effective second-line therapies. The research highlights DNA changes that could be explored further to treat patients with specific genetic mutations.

A mushroom for colorectal cancer therapy

Researchers discovered a previously unknown class of compounds in the fungus Bipolaris victoriae S27 that effectively kill colorectal cancer cells. The most effective compound, bipoterpride No. 2, targets the DCTPP1 enzyme and shows promise as a potential new treatment option.

Study: breast cancer drug shows potential for rare appendix cancer

Researchers found that the oral medication palbociclib stabilized tumor growth and reduced blood tumor marker levels in patients with peritoneal mucinous carcinomatosis, a form of appendix cancer often resistant to standard chemotherapy. The study's findings introduce a first targeted therapy for this rare disease.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Highly-stabilized and selective inhibitor for cancer-causing enzyme revealed

Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have developed a highly selective inhibitor for Matrix Metallopeptidase 7 (MMP7), an enzyme crucial for cancer spread and progression. The novel peptide D'20 demonstrates remarkable stability and selectivity, targeting MMP7 while leaving similar enzymes unaffected.

Cancer biologists discover a new mechanism for an old drug

A new study found that 5-fluorouracil kills cells by interfering with RNA synthesis, not DNA damage. The findings suggest that combining 5-FU with drugs affecting RNA synthesis could make it more effective in patients with gastrointestinal cancers.

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.

Antidepressant shows promise for treating brain tumors

Researchers at ETH Zurich have found an antidepressant, vortioxetine, effective against glioblastomas, a particularly aggressive brain tumor with no cure. The drug's ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and trigger a signalling cascade makes it promising for treating this deadly tumour.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Impressive results against autoimmune disease

A 23-year-old patient with severe systemic lupus erythematosus achieved complete symptom relief after five injections of teclistamab, a cancer medication. The treatment significantly improved kidney function, blood levels, and reduced inflammation in the skin and joints.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

A hybrid arrowhead against immune disorders

Researchers have developed a novel, more selective inhibitor of the human immunoproteasome using a bacterially derived natural product. The new compound targets autoimmune diseases without disrupting other cellular mechanisms.

When is the best time of day for cancer treatment?

Researchers have identified certain times of the day when cancer cells are most responsive to medication-based treatments, suggesting personalized treatment plans could improve efficacy and reduce side effects. The study used a method called high-throughput deep phenotyping to analyze the circadian rhythms of breast cancer cell lines.

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.

Precision therapy for metastatic prostate cancer improves survival

A new study published in Nature Medicine shows that precision therapy can improve survival for men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. The treatment, which involves analyzing the genetic profile of the tumor, has been shown to be more effective than chemotherapy in patients whose tumors have specific mutations.

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.