Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Program highlights of the ESMO Virtual Congress 2020

The ESMO Virtual Congress 2020 showcased promising results in triple negative breast cancer, a new class myeloid specific antibody in solid cancer, and health-related quality of life data from a phase 3 immunotherapy study. Keynote lecturers discussed the impact of COVID-19 on patients, oncologists, and healthcare systems.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateAug 28, 2020

Oncotarget: Paradox breaker BRAF inhibitors in BRAF mutant colorectal cancer

The BEACON CRC trial demonstrated a survival advantage for patients with chemo-refractory BRAF mutant CRC treated with the combination of BRAF inhibitor encorafenib and EGFR inhibitor cetuximab. PLX8394, a paradox-breaker BRAF inhibitor, showed comparable efficacy to encorafenib in reducing pathway reactivation.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·DateAug 25, 2020
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.

Unlocking how cellular proteins control cancer spread

A McGill-led study unlocks the behavior of an enzyme involved in cancer cell spread, revealing a delicate interaction between PRL3 and magnesium transport proteins crucial to colorectal cancer growth. This finding calls into question long-standing hypotheses about PRL3's role in cancer spread.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 12, 2020

Roadmap to reducing colorectal cancer deaths

A new model of screening combines better risk assessment, noninvasive testing options, and targeted referrals for colonoscopy to save more lives. The American Gastroenterological Association proposes a universal approach to screening that reaches more people and offers alternatives to colonoscopy.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateAug 3, 2020

Night-time exposure to blue light associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer

A new study published in Epidemiology found that night-time exposure to outdoor artificial light, especially blue light, may increase the risk of colorectal cancer. The research analyzed data from over 2,000 adults and found a 60% higher risk of developing colorectal cancer among those with the highest exposures to blue light.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEpidemiology·DateJul 29, 2020

Study provides new insight on colorectal cancer growth

A novel function of spermine synthase (SMS) has been identified as facilitating colorectal cancer growth, with excessive accumulation of spermidine having harmful effects on cell viability. Combined inhibition of SMS and MYC signaling induces cancer cell death and tumor regression.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 29, 2020
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.

Common hypertension medications may reduce colorectal cancer risk

A large study found that taking common hypertension medications such as ACE inhibitors and ARBs can lower the risk of developing colorectal cancer. The benefits were seen in patients over 55 and those with a history of colon polyps, but only for the first three years after a negative baseline colonoscopy.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJul 6, 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.

Discovery of key protein behind cancer relapse and progression can lead to new therapies

The study reveals that low levels of MBNL1 protein are associated with poor overall survival in various common cancers. Blocking the JNK protein can reverse this mechanism, providing a potential biomarker for selecting patients for treatment. Researchers plan to investigate MBNL1's role in colorectal cancer and explore anti-JNK therapies.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2020

Notorious cancer protein mutations cooperate to proliferate disease

Mutations in TP53 and concomitant mutant p53 proteins in cancer cells have been found to accelerate tumorigenesis and metastasis. The researchers found that the combination of gain of function mutations and loss of heterozygosity provides protection against cell death, promoting a fibrotic microenvironment and inflammation pathways.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 18, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A combo of fasting plus vitamin C is effective for hard-to-treat cancers, study shows

A combination of fasting-mimicking diet and vitamin C has been found to delay tumor progression and even cause disease regression in multiple mouse models of colorectal cancer. The treatment works by regulating iron levels and molecular mechanisms involved in oxidative stress, making it a safer alternative to toxic treatments.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 12, 2020

Researchers ID target for colorectal cancer immunotherapy

Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have identified ST2 as a novel checkpoint molecule that could help T cells become more effective in fighting colorectal cancer. By targeting ST2-expressing macrophages, the researchers were able to slow tumor growth and boost T-cell activity.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalJCI Insight·DateMay 11, 2020
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.

Large population study links blood infection with certain bacteria to increased risk of colorectal cancer

A large population study found a significant association between blood infections with anaerobic bacteria and an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. The study revealed that infections with specific bacteria, such as Clostridium septicum and Bacteroides ovatus, were linked to a substantial increased risk of CRC.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·DateApr 20, 2020

Identical mice, different gut bacteria, different levels of cancer

Researchers found that distinct microbiomes composed of different types of bacteria contribute to varying levels of colorectal cancer in genetically identical mice. The study suggests that certain bacteria promote inflammation and exhaust immune cells, increasing susceptibility to cancer.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 9, 2020

Doctors group sues California for failing to add processed meat to state carcinogen list

A doctors' group is suing California for neglecting to add processed meat, such as hot dogs and bacon, to the state's cancer-causing substances list under Proposition 65. This move comes after experts classified consumption of processed meat as carcinogenic to humans, increasing risks of colorectal, breast, prostate, pancreatic, and ov...

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·DateMar 11, 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.

Colorectal cancer burden shifting to younger individuals

The burden of colorectal cancer is shifting to younger individuals, with incidence rates increasing in people under 50 and declining in older age groups. In 2020, there will be about 18,000 cases of CRC diagnosed in people under 50, equivalent to 49 new cases per day.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·DateMar 5, 2020
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.

Structural framework for tumors also provides immune protection

In aggressive colorectal cancers, a structural framework called cancer-associated fibroblasts helps tumors evade the immune system by expressing high levels of CD73, an immune checkpoint enzyme. CAFs create a self-serving process that amplifies their own CD73 expression, suppressing immune responses.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 26, 2020

Colorectal cancer partner-in-crime identified

A protein called interleukin 6 (IL-6) plays a significant role in the spread of colorectal cancer to other parts of the body, particularly the liver. Suppressing IL-6 expression can enhance anti-tumor immune functions and improve patient survival.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalCancer Immunology Research·DateFeb 20, 2020
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.

GI societies issue updated colorectal cancer screening recommendations

Experts provide a timeline for patients to be rechecked for colorectal cancer based on their initial colonoscopy and recommend the safest techniques to completely remove polyps. Screening is recommended to begin at age 50, with follow-up colonoscopies every 3-10 years depending on polyp size and removal.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateFeb 18, 2020

Study shows advanced colorectal cancers at recommended screening age

A recent study reveals that cancers have already spread in a high percentage of people by the time recommended screening begins for colorectal cancer. The rate of colorectal cancer incidence increased significantly between ages 49 and 50, with 92.9% of diagnosed cases at age 50 being invasive.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 4, 2020

Cancer cell reversion may offer a new approach to colorectal cancer treatment

A team of researchers at KAIST has discovered a novel approach to reprogram healthy colon cells into non-cancerous ones by reducing the activity of a master regulator protein called SETDB1. This method could lead to more effective and less painful cancer treatment options.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalMolecular Cancer Research·DateFeb 2, 2020
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.

Key to beating colorectal cancer hiding in plain sight?

A study published in Nature Metabolism reveals that serine racemase enhances the growth of colorectal cancer cells by producing pyruvate from serine. The research provides a novel target for anti-cancer therapies and shows promise in improving treatment efficacy.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Metabolism·DateJan 28, 2020
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.

Women with colorectal cancer fare better if they have social support

Kaiser Permanente research reveals that post-menopausal women with colorectal cancer who have low social support are more likely to die from the disease or any cause. The study found a significant association between high levels of emotional, informational, tangible, and positive interactional support and lower mortality rates.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalCancer·DateJan 23, 2020

Decline in late stage cancer diagnoses after health reform law

A study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that the expansion of health insurance coverage in Massachusetts led to a 7% decline in advanced stage colorectal cancer diagnoses. This early diagnosis increase is attributed to increased access to screening and diagnostic services.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalMedical Care·DateJan 22, 2020
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.

Tumor DNA platform scopes out and classifies colorectal cancer

A new noninvasive diagnostic method using circulating tumor DNA can detect colorectal cancer in at-risk patients with high accuracy. The technology, developed by Huiyan Luo et al., uses methylation markers to identify patients with a sensitivity and specificity of 87.5% and 89.9%, respectively.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 1, 2020
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.

Researchers identify new therapeutic target for colorectal cancer

Researchers have identified a key protein, Importin-11, that transports the cancer-causing protein βcatenin into the nucleus of colon cancer cells. Inhibiting this transport step could block the growth of most colorectal cancers caused by elevated βcatenin levels.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateDec 27, 2019

NCI-MATCH: Promising signal for nivolumab beyond colorectal cancer

The NCI-MATCH trial found a 36% response rate across various cancers with DNA mismatch repair deficiencies, including rare and uncommon tumor types. The results provide an important signal for further study and potential treatment options.

SourceECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateDec 19, 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.

Machine learning, imaging technique may boost colon cancer diagnosis

A new imaging technique combining machine learning and optical coherence tomography detects precancerous and cancerous tissue with 100% accuracy, according to a pilot study. The technology may assist traditional colonoscopy by providing real-time, non-invasive imaging for deeper precancerous polyps and early-stage cancers.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalTheranostics·DateDec 5, 2019

Does weight loss surgery affect colorectal cancer risk?

A study published in the International Journal of Cancer suggests that weight loss surgery may increase the risk of colon cancer. Patients who underwent such surgery had a higher risk of colon cancer compared to the general population, especially over time.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateDec 4, 2019

A novel pathway to target colorectal cancer

A new study published in Gastroenterology reports that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) promotes metastasis of colorectal cancer through the microRNA MIR675-5p, which silences the expression of p53. Researchers found that mice treated with PGE2 had increased metastases compared to controls, and tumor cells expressed more MIR675-5p and less p53.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateNov 26, 2019

Cancer trends in Canada from 1971 to 2015

A study on cancer trends in Canada from 1971 to 2015 found an increase in breast and colorectal cancers among younger adults, particularly women aged 30-39. In contrast, cancer incidence has decreased in older age groups, with declines seen in cervical, lung, bladder, and prostate cancers across most age categories.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCMAJ Open·DateNov 18, 2019

Gut microbiota imbalance promotes the onset of colorectal cancer

A study published in PNAS found that gut microbiota imbalance promotes the onset of colorectal cancer. A non-invasive blood test has been developed to identify the epigenetic phenomenon associated with dysbiosis, which was validated in 1,000 individuals.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 2019
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.

Gut microbes and colorectal cancer

A study explores the genetic mechanisms by which alterations in colon-associated microbes might promote colorectal cancer. Alterations in gut microbes have been linked to increased DNA methylation changes and CRC risk.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 11, 2019

ACP issues guidance for colorectal cancer screening

The American College of Physicians recommends screening for colorectal cancer in adults at average risk who do not have symptoms. The recommended screening frequency varies depending on the chosen strategy, with options including fecal immunochemical tests, colonoscopy, and flexible sigmoidoscopy.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 4, 2019

ACP issues new guidance statement for colorectal cancer screening

The American College of Physicians (ACP) has released a new guidance statement for colorectal cancer screening in average-risk adults between 50 and 75 years old. The guidance suggests that physicians select the most suitable screening test for each patient based on factors such as benefits, harms, costs, availability, frequency, and p...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 4, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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