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Drug could alleviate side effects of chemo for breast cancer patients

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have discovered a method to forecast which breast cancer patients will experience heart problems from trastuzumab, a commonly used chemotherapy drug. A class of medications already approved by the FDA may mitigate these side effects.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalCirculation·DateMar 14, 2019

Using an anti-smoking drug to control neurons

Researchers have developed a system to target specific cells in the brain using an approved anti-smoking drug, varenicline. This technology, called chemogenetics, allows for precise modulation of neural activity, which could lead to more effective treatments for conditions like epilepsy and pain.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateMar 14, 2019

A new chemogenetic toolset

Researchers designed engineered ion-channels activated by low doses of varenicline to study cell activation and silencing in live animals. The new toolset, tested in mice and a monkey, showed promise for silencing neurons and inducing behavioral changes.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 14, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tiny DNA reader to advance development of anticancer drugs

Researchers from Osaka University developed a tiny DNA reader using microscopic probes and an electrical current to locate anticancer drug molecules. The technology successfully identified individual molecules in short DNA strands, pinpointing exact insertion sites of trifluridine.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 7, 2019

A step closer to an HIV cure

Researchers have found no rebound of HIV in two patients who stopped taking their medication after receiving stem cell transplants, providing crucial insights into the potential mechanisms of cure. The transplanted donor cells had a gene defect that made it difficult for HIV to infect cells, offering new hope for developing a cure.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalNature·DateMar 5, 2019

Genomics could better match treatments to pancreatic cancer patients

Researchers at UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine discovered genetic flags in 17% of tumors indicating susceptibility to existing chemotherapy drugs. The study's findings could lead to personalized treatment approaches for pancreatic cancer patients, increasing survival rates.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateMar 4, 2019
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.

PET scans show biomarkers could spare some breast cancer patients from chemotherapy

A new study using PET scans has identified a biomarker that predicts which women with HER2-positive breast cancer may benefit from standalone HER2-targeted agents without chemotherapy. Researchers found that patients with low sugar levels on PET scans at two weeks after treatment had the potential to be spared chemotherapy, indicating ...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 21, 2019

CNIC researchers identify a very early marker of cardiac damage triggered by cancer treatment

Researchers at CNIC identified a very early marker of cardiac damage in patients undergoing anthracycline therapy, allowing for early diagnosis and potential prevention of irreversible damage. The discovery has implications for patient prognosis and may lead to new therapies based on mitochondrial transplantation.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 18, 2019
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.

Neuroendocrine tumors: Choosing the best treatment

Researchers conducted an extensive comparison of all drugs used in neuroendocrine tumor treatment, guiding physicians through available options. Combination therapies showed high efficacy, but were often underrepresented in international guidelines.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateFeb 14, 2019

New tuberculosis drug may shorten treatment time for patients

A new experimental antibiotic AN12855 has been shown to be more effective against tuberculosis than isoniazid, a decades-old drug. In mouse studies, the new drug demonstrated a much lower tendency to develop resistance and remained in tissues where Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria reside for longer, killing them more effectively.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateFeb 11, 2019

Discovery may bolster chemotherapy potency while protecting the heart from side-effects

University of Alberta researchers have discovered a way to make chemotherapy more effective against cancer while blocking its harmful side effects on the heart. By stabilizing a specific metabolic protein, they were able to prevent heart damage and enhance tumor regression in preclinical mouse models.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2019

Anticancer mechanism revealed in yeast experiments

Scientists have discovered how DNA topoisomerase II and CKII enzymes in fission yeast interact to promote cell growth, a mechanism that may be similar in human cancer cells. Inhibiting these enzymes could lead to new cancer treatments.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 5, 2019
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.

Do all chemotherapies have equal long-term heart risk?

A study of 28,000 childhood cancer survivors found that exposure to different anthracycline chemotherapies results in variable long-term cardiovascular risk. Specifically, daunorubicin was associated with decreased cardiomyopathy risk compared to doxorubicin, while mitoxantrone appeared to have greater long-term cardiomyopathy risk.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateJan 31, 2019

Genetically modified virus injection into tumor can treat metastatic melanoma

A genetically modified virus injection into tumor has effectively treated almost 40 percent of patients with metastatic melanoma. The treatment, talimogene laherparepvec (TVEC), stimulates the immune system to attack cancer cells, leading to a complete local response rate of 39 percent in stage IIIB disease.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJan 25, 2019

Virus-based therapy targets a pediatric eye cancer

Researchers developed a virus-based therapy VCN-01 that targets retinoblastoma, a tumor affecting mainly children, by infecting cancer cells with a dysfunctional RB1 pathway. The treatment successfully replicated in tumor cells without causing systemic inflammation and extended time to enucleation compared to chemotherapy.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 23, 2019

Greater access to information reduces unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions

A study in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy found that providing more information about how doctors prescribe drugs can reduce problems associated with overprescription. Between 2012 and 2017, there was a notable decrease of 14% in antibiotic prescriptions in England.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJournal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy·DateJan 23, 2019
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.

No substantial benefit from transplantation reported for a high-risk leukemia subtype

A new study led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that high-risk leukemia patients did not experience improved long-term survival with bone marrow transplantation. Treatment guided by measuring minimal residual disease was associated with better outcomes, with 58% of patients becoming long-term survivors.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJan 18, 2019

Scientists have identified a bone marrow backup system

Researchers have identified two functional populations of hematopoietic stem cells: 'primed' and 'reserve', which act under normal conditions and during times of stress, respectively. The reserve cells are protected by N-cadherin+ bone-lining cells, which provide survival factors to support their function.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 15, 2019

How drugs can minimize the side effects of chemotherapy

A team of researchers at the University of Zurich has determined the three-dimensional structure of the receptor that causes nausea and vomiting as a result of cancer chemotherapy. They found that effective drugs like EmendTM and AkynzeoTM alter the receptor's structure, allowing for long-lasting attachment and effective treatment.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 10, 2019

Drug sponge could minimize side effects of cancer treatment

Researchers have developed a 'drug sponge' that can absorb up to 64% of chemotherapy drugs from the bloodstream, potentially reducing toxic side effects. The technology uses an absorbent polymer coating on a 3D-printed cylinder inserted into a vein, which sops up excess drugs before they reach other organs.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalACS Central Science·DateJan 9, 2019

Capturing chemotherapy drugs before they can cause side effects

Scientists have created a 3D-printed device that can absorb excess chemotherapy drugs from a patient's bloodstream before they spread to healthy cells. The device captured about 64% of doxorubicin, a commonly used chemotherapy drug, reducing the likelihood of side effects such as hair loss and nausea.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateJan 9, 2019
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.

Tumors backfire on chemotherapy

Researchers found that chemotherapy can induce tumors to release exosomes containing a protein that stimulates immune cells to attract cancerous cells, leading to metastasis. Neutralizing this protein or blocking immune cells may improve the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateDec 31, 2018
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.

How catnip makes the chemical that causes cats to go crazy

Researchers at John Innes Centre discovered the two-step process by which catnip produces nepetalactone, a terpene that sends cats into ecstasy. This process may help recreate useful medicines, including vinblastine and vincristine, more efficiently.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateDec 10, 2018
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.

Scientists to produce anti-cancer drugs in yeast

A new EU Horizon 2020 project aims to produce therapeutic substances in baker's yeast, providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional methods. Researchers will map the biosynthetic pathways of Indian snakeroot to create a sustainable production route.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·DateDec 6, 2018
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.

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.

Venetoclax combination approved for elderly AML

A new combination of venetoclax with standard drugs azacitidine or decitabine has been granted accelerated approval for treating elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia. The trial showed a 67% overall response rate, with improved efficacy and tolerability compared to traditional hypomethylating agents.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalBlood·DateNov 29, 2018
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.

91 percent response rate for venetoclax against newly diagnosed AML in older adults

A new combination treatment of venetoclax and azacitidine has shown a 91 percent response rate in older adults with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The treatment has been associated with no more side effects than the use of azacitidine alone, and patients with IDH mutations have experienced long-lasting responses.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 28, 2018

DNA Origami full of potent anticancer agents

A Chinese scientist designed a DNA origami nanoplatform that carries chemotherapeutic drugs and RNA interference to target and kill multidrug-resistant cancer cells. The platform demonstrates the effectiveness of RNA interference in reducing drug resistance in cancer treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 21, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Combination chemotherapy and immunotherapy effective in Phase II leukemia study

A Phase II study found a combination of azacitidine and nivolumab therapy resulted in a 33% overall response rate and 22% complete remission rate for patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia. The drug combination was particularly effective in patients who had not previously received hypomethylating agents, with an overa...

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer Discovery·DateNov 8, 2018

Study findings show promise in preventing heart disease in cancer survivors

A study by Washington State University researchers suggests that inhibiting CDK2 activity can alleviate chemotherapy-induced heart damage in rodents. The finding could be used to develop treatment strategies and drugs to reduce heart disease risk in cancer survivors, particularly those treated with doxorubicin.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 6, 2018

Open source machine learning tool could help choose cancer drugs

Researchers at Georgia Tech developed an open source decision support tool using machine learning to analyze RNA expression tied to patient outcomes with specific drugs. The system predicted the chemotherapy drug that had provided the best outcome 80 percent of the time, and its accuracy could improve with additional patient records.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 6, 2018

Gene PPM1D gives stem cells a 'winning boost' after chemotherapy

A study published in Cell Stem Cell found that the PPM1D gene confers a survival advantage to blood cells exposed to chemotherapy, potentially favoring the development of secondary leukemia. The research suggests that the presence of this gene and other mutations should be considered when choosing chemotherapies.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateNov 2, 2018
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.

The ESRF cryo-electron microscope bears fruit in its first year

The ESRF cryo-electron microscope has achieved significant results in its first year, publishing research on the 5-HT3 serotonin receptor. The study revealed the receptor's activation cycle and binding pockets, providing crucial information for developing antinausea drugs.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalNature·DateOct 31, 2018
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.