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Immunotherapy-chemotherapy treatment coupled with in-depth genomic analyses leads to improved survival for patients with mesothelioma

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center found a new treatment option for inoperable pleural mesothelioma using immunotherapy agent durvalumab combined with platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients with epithelioid tumors experienced higher survival rates, including some who remained tumor-free after completing the trial.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 8, 2021
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.

Polymer-coated nanoparticles to promote drug delivery to the brain

Researchers have demonstrated the effectiveness of polymer-coated nanoparticles in delivering drugs to the brain, overcoming the blood-brain barrier challenge. The study showed that zwitterionic polymers improve accessibility but are rapidly absorbed by blood vessel walls.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalBiomaterials·DateNov 5, 2021

Advanced breast cancer patients denied opportunities to join clinical trials

A recent survey of advanced breast cancer patients in the UK reveals that only 14% have been recruited to a trial, highlighting a need for improved access. Patients often face barriers, including clinician reluctance to discuss trials and a lack of patient-friendly databases.

SourceAssociação Advanced Breast Cancer Global Alliance·TypeObservational study·DateNov 3, 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.

Gene therapy boosts Parkinson’s disease drug benefits

A preclinical study shows that gene therapy can restore dopamine production in the brain, eliminating symptoms of Parkinson's disease. The therapy targets the substantia nigra region, where dopamine-releasing neurons reside, and provides a potential target for disease-modifying therapies.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2021

Novel drug liberates tumour vessels to aid cancer drug delivery

A therapeutic antibody has been shown to unblock and normalise blood vessels inside cancerous tumours, enabling the more effective delivery of targeted cancer treatments. The findings also suggest that inhibiting LRG1 protein production can enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapies, including checkpoint inhibitors and CAR T-cell the...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalMed·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2021

Lithium imaging method could shine new light on bipolar disorder, treatment

Researchers developed a method to image lithium in living cells, finding that neurons from bipolar disorder patients accumulate higher levels of lithium than healthy controls. This new tool could help optimize lithium dosage and improve treatment outcomes for patients with bipolar disorder.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateNov 3, 2021
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.

Hypoxia imaging and combination therapy aid immunotherapy treatment of solid tumors

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have developed a method to identify non-responding tumors using hypoxia imaging, which shows promise for improving response rates. Investigational new drug evofosfamide was found beneficial in treating hypoxic tumors with immunotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2021

New monoclonal antibody shows promise for severe asthma

Itepekimab, a novel monoclonal antibody, has been found to be safe and effective in treating moderate-to-severe asthma. In a phase 2 trial, it significantly improved lung function and reduced asthma control events compared to placebo.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 28, 2021

Alzheimer’s disease may cause vicious circle between brain network and immune cell dysfunctions

Scientists at Gladstone Institutes discovered that non-convulsive epileptic activity drives chronic brain inflammation in Alzheimer's models, which can be reversed by eliminating protein tau or using the anti-epileptic drug levetiracetam. This link between brain networks and immune cells may hold promising treatments for Alzheimer's di...

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournaliScience·DateOct 26, 2021
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.

Rural areas, hit hard by COVID-19, lack access to new treatment trials

A new study reveals that rural Americans face significant challenges in accessing COVID-19 treatment trials, with many living more than an hour away from the nearest trial site. Native Americans and Alaska Natives are particularly affected, with over 50% living more than 60 minutes from a trial site.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateOct 25, 2021

High-dose radiation thwarts tumor growth in patients with advanced lung cancer

A new study finds that high-dose radiation therapy can lengthen progression-free survival for people with advanced lung cancer when systemic therapy has not fully halted tumor growth or spread. Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) shows promise in treating oligoprogressive, metastatic lung and breast cancer.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·DateOct 25, 2021

Identification of genes that cause resistance to treatment of the pathogenic fungus Candida

Researchers have identified eight genes in the Candida glabrata fungus that confer resistance to various drugs. The study allows for genetic testing to diagnose potential drug resistance, guiding treatment choices. The findings also highlight cross-resistance phenomena, where exposure to one drug can lead to resistance to another.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 25, 2021

Mechanism behind ineffective psoriasis drugs identified

New study reveals that blocking interleukin-23 is more effective than targeting both interleukin-23 and interleukin-12 in treating psoriasis. Interleukin-12, previously thought to contribute to the disease, actually protects against it by maintaining normal skin cell function.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 22, 2021

Cystic fibrosis patients may see personalized treatments emerge from “drug screening in a dish,” stem cell research finds

Stem cell researchers have developed a new method to identify and develop personalized therapies for Cystic Fibrosis patients with rare mutations. By growing precursor lung cells from patients' own blood, they can screen for new drugs and validate responses in mature airway cells.

SourceInternational Society for Stem Cell Research·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateOct 21, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Prozac pegged as potential 1st treatment for leading cause of blindness

Researchers at UVA Health System found that fluoxetine, an antidepressant commonly known as Prozac, shows promise against age-related macular degeneration. Patients taking fluoxetine were less likely to develop dry AMD, a condition affecting nearly 200 million people worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2021

How diet affects tumors

A new study from MIT reveals that calorie-restricted diets slow tumor growth in mice by reducing fatty acid availability, while ketogenic diets have limited effect. The findings offer insight into how dietary interventions might be combined with existing or emerging drugs to help patients with cancer.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateOct 20, 2021

Researchers awarded $12 million to pursue personalized therapies for severe asthma

A group of researchers led by Indiana University School of Medicine's Benjamin Gaston will receive a research program project grant to fund the development of personalized therapeutic approaches for severe asthma. The grant will support three key projects focused on S-nitrosylation signaling, airway pH regulation, and androgen signaling.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·DateOct 18, 2021
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.

Research reveals new understanding of cancer resistance to treatment

Researchers discovered that leukemia cells immediately unresponsive to treatment have high levels of SAMHD1, while those with acquired resistance use the enzyme DCK to activate nucleoside analogues. This finding may lead to better cancer therapies.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalJournal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2021

Antibody treatment for MIS-C works by depleting inflammatory immune cells

A recent NIH-funded study found that intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) works in treating multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and Kawasaki disease by depleting activated neutrophils, a major source of inflammation.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 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.

At initial cancer diagnosis, a deeply personalized assessment

Researchers conducted genomic evaluations of advanced malignancies to develop matched, individualized combination therapies. The study found that precision cancer therapy improved median overall survival rate by 3.9 months compared to standard care.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalGenome Medicine·DateOct 13, 2021

Fresh hope for improving treatments for deadly lung disease: Trinity College research

Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have discovered that lactate can influence cells in the lung environment to support immune defenses against infection while limiting collateral damage. Lactate may hold therapeutic potential as a host-directed therapy for diseases like TB and COVID-19, which cause destruction of pulmonary tissue.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateOct 7, 2021

Cancer chemotherapy drug reverses Alzheimer’s symptoms in mice

Researchers found that a cancer chemotherapy drug can restore memory and cognitive function in mice with Alzheimer’s disease by inhibiting blood vessel growth. The study suggests repurposing approved anti-cancer drugs as treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, potentially shortening clinical development time.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2021

Finding better ways to deliver medicine in the body

University of Delaware chemical engineer Catherine Fromen aims to improve the delivery of therapeutic medicines to the body by studying how they interact with mucosal interfaces. Her research focuses on designing medicines that can overcome natural defenses in the lungs and gut, with potential applications for diseases such as lung can...

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateOct 4, 2021
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.

Brain-circuit discovery may help explain sex differences in binge drinking

A preclinical study found that female mice are more susceptible to binge drinking due to a brain circuit called the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). The BNST is more excitable in females, requiring stronger inhibition to curb excessive alcohol consumption. This natural 'brake' mechanism may also contribute to sex differences...

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 4, 2021

How sepsis need not be fatal

A team of scientists has identified molecular biomarkers associated with sepsis, which could be used to predict patient outcomes and guide treatment. The study found that changes in CD52 expression were linked to good outcomes, while S100A9 acted as a driver of fatal sepsis.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 29, 2021
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.

Counting cells may shed light on how cancer spreads

MIT engineers create system to measure generation rate and survival time of CTCs in real-time, revealing variability between different tumor types. The study suggests that small cell lung tumors can shed up to 100,000 CTCs per hour, while non-small cell lung tumors and pancreatic tumors shed fewer cells.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 28, 2021

Researchers report on new way to deliver healing stem cells to kidney injury patients

A new ex vivo drug delivery system has been shown to keep MSCs viable longer and reprogram the peripheral immune response toward organ repair. The study's results suggest that SBI-101 can impact a peripheral immune response that can be transmitted to local tissue damage in vital organs, including the kidney.

SourceAlphaMed Press·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 28, 2021
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.

Experimental drug development approach points to better targeted therapies for treatment-resistant leukemia

Researchers have identified a way to restore the effectiveness of drugs in clinical trials for treating AML by using human alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein (AGP) as a 'decoy' to bind and inhibit FLT3-mutated leukemia cells. The approach has potential for improving patient outcomes, particularly for patients with FLT3-mutated AML.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalBlood Cancer Discovery·DateSep 27, 2021

Early signs of efficacy of new targeted agents and immunotherapies reported for multiple cancers at ESMO Congress 2021

New targeted therapies are being developed to target genetic alterations in cancer cells, such as the ARID1A mutation found in 10-50% of solid tumours. Early clinical trials suggest that these agents may be effective in treating multiple cancers, including breast, ovarian, and gastric cancer.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateSep 24, 2021

Mathematical constructions of COVID virus activity could provide new insight for vaccines, treatment

Researchers developed a mathematical model to study the action of SARS-CoV-2, enabling the examination of individual virus particles and their spikes. This analysis can help fine-tune prevention and treatment by providing insights into viral load, spike distribution, and cell infection potential.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Mathematical Analysis and Applications·DateSep 23, 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.

Biologists identify new targets for cancer vaccines

MIT researchers have found that vaccinating against certain cancer proteins can boost the overall T cell response and help to shrink tumors in mice. The study identifies specific neoantigens that, when targeted with a vaccine, can reawaken dormant T cell populations and lead to tumor regression.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateSep 16, 2021

Research reveals drug targets for memory enhancement

A Bristol-led research team has identified specific receptors for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine that re-route information flowing through memory circuits in the hippocampus. The discovery holds promise for developing new, safer treatments for conditions like Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateSep 16, 2021

Only a minority of those with alcohol use disorders receives medication

A study found that only about 2-2.5% of individuals with alcohol dependence in Sweden receive alcohol medication, highlighting unequal provision of treatment across sociodemographic factors and co-morbid conditions. The research suggests low knowledge among physicians and patients, as well as preference for psychological treatment over...

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·TypeObservational study·DateSep 10, 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.

USC Institute launches worldwide study of Parkinson’s disease

The USC Institute is launching a $3 million global consortium study to analyze brain imaging, genetics, and clinical data from 20 countries. The study aims to understand how Parkinson's disease progresses in the brain and explore genetic factors contributing to risk.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·DateSep 10, 2021

Chemotherapy drug puts young children with cancer at high risk of hearing loss

A new study by UBC researchers found that chemotherapy drug cisplatin is more likely to cause hearing loss in young children, particularly those under five years old. The study, published in Cancer, shows that the hearing of these children is impacted early during treatment and is affected to a greater extent than older children.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCancer·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 7, 2021

Researchers discover test to predict which patients with rare blood disease will respond to only FDA-approved treatment, and identify alternative therapy

A new precision medicine test has been developed using blood proteins to identify patients with idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD) most likely to respond to siltuximab. The study also reveals Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors as a promising alternative treatment option for those who do not respond to siltuximab.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalBlood Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 2, 2021

Subtle differences: Examining the disease activity indices used for rheumatoid arthritis

A new study examines the similarities and differences among disease activity indices used to monitor rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers found that while there are high correlations among the indices, they were not interchangeable, highlighting the need for further analysis of RA in patients using various indices.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 2, 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.

Successful glioblastoma treatment in dogs may also be viable in humans

A new study suggests that a treatment for canine glioblastoma may also be effective in humans, with some dogs experiencing significant tumor shrinkage. The treatment uses an immunotherapy drug called STING agonist, which induced a robust immune response against cancer cells.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateAug 25, 2021
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.

Teaching an old dog new tricks: An existing drug opens new possibilities for treating child leukemia

A study from Linköping University found that the tumour-inhibiting gene TET2 is silenced in most cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children. The gene can be reactivated by treatment with an existing drug, 5-azacytidine, suggesting a targeted therapy for ALL in children.

SourceLinköping University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2021

Two studies seek to go beyond the GIST of intestinal tract cancer

Gastrointestinal stroma tumors (GIST) are rare cancers that can be problematic to detect and treat. Researchers have identified the mutational drivers for GIST in the stomach and found a potential drug therapy, temozolomide, which showed promising results in treating patients with specific mutations.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateAug 24, 2021

Age-related decline in two sirtuin enzymes alters mitochondrial dynamics, weakens cardiac contractions

A preclinical study found that age-related decline in two sirtuin enzymes alters mitochondrial dynamics, weakening cardiac contractions in response to ischemia-reperfusion injury. Boosting SIRT1/SIRT3 levels may help protect against such injuries, potentially reducing heart attack complications and deaths.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalAging Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2021

Study could lead to new treatments for neuroblastoma

Researchers have identified a new potential treatment for neuroblastoma by targeting the ALT mechanism, which is responsible for chemotherapy resistance. The study found that activating ATM kinase at telomeres promotes chemotherapy resistance in ALT neuroblastoma and suggests a cancer-specific approach to treating this disease.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Way forward: Quantitative analytical tools in medicine and clinical research

Recent studies demonstrate the applications of LC-MS in characterizing Traditional Chinese Medicine formulations, real-time drug measurement, and bioactive compounds from Osmanthus fragrans. These techniques offer high sensitivity, robustness, and ease of use for quality assessment and characterization.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2021

New tool to quantify risk of cognitive dysfunction in drug treatment programs

Researchers have developed a simple assessment tool to evaluate patients' risk of cognitive dysfunction in drug treatment programs. The tool combines cognitive measures with patient demographics and health history to produce an overall risk score, helping staff identify accommodations needed for effective treatment.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·TypeObservational study·DateAug 17, 2021