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Researchers identify potential new strategy to prevent side effects from immunotherapy

Researchers at UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have found a potential therapeutic target, IL-21, to reduce endocrine autoimmune side effects from checkpoint immunotherapy. A specific group of immune cells play a central role in this autoimmune attack and blocking IL-21 prevents thyroid autoimmunity.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 17, 2023
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.

Researchers identify 10 pesticides toxic to neurons involved in Parkinson’s

Researchers at UCLA and Harvard have identified 10 pesticides toxic to dopaminergic neurons, which play a key role in voluntary movement. The study used California's pesticide use database and found that co-exposure of certain pesticides increased toxicity, with combinations involving herbicides like trifluralin producing the most harm.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 17, 2023

Heat-loving marine bacteria can help detoxify asbestos

Researchers have discovered that extremophilic bacteria from high-temperature marine environments can be used to remove iron, silicon, and magnesium from asbestos minerals, reducing their toxicity. This finding has the potential to develop new methods for detoxifying and reusing asbestos as a secondary raw material.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateMay 15, 2023

Combined delivery of engineered virus with immunotherapy is safe and improves outcomes in subset of patients with glioblastoma

A Phase I/II clinical trial combining intratumoral delivery of an engineered oncolytic virus with subsequent immunotherapy improved survival outcomes in a subset of patients with recurrent glioblastoma. The study demonstrated the combination was well-tolerated, with no dose-limiting toxicities.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 15, 2023

Riluzole and Sorafenib in patients with advanced solid tumors: a Phase I trial

Researchers found a partial response in a patient with pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma, as well as stable disease in 11 patients, when combining riluzole with sorafenib in a phase I trial. The combination was safe and tolerable, and further exploration of its potential is warranted.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 12, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Mint flavor makes vape juice more toxic, damaging to lungs

Researchers developed a biologically inspired 'vaping robot' to mimic human breathing patterns and tested commercially available e-liquids containing menthol. The study found that menthol vapers took shallower breaths and had poorer lung function compared to non-menthol smokers, regardless of age or smoking history.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalRespiratory Research·DateApr 10, 2023

Cancer-associated fibroblasts: Challenges and opportunities

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a type of cell that plays a crucial role in the tumor microenvironment. The authors suggest that understanding CAFs is essential for developing effective cancer therapies. Research targeting CAFs has shown promise, but challenges remain due to their complex nature.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 5, 2023
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.

Scientists make a breakthrough in the cellular recognition of microplastics

Researchers at Ritsumeikan University have made a breakthrough in understanding how macrophages recognize microplastics, discovering an interaction between aromatic rings that drives this process. The study suggests that while microplastics may not induce acute inflammation, chronic exposure could lead to autoimmune diseases.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2023

Study: “Safer” PFAS in food packaging still hazardous

A recent study found that polymeric PFAS used in food packaging break down into toxic smaller molecules, contaminating food and the environment. The research contradicts claims that polymeric PFAS are harmless and poses a risk to human health.

SourceGreen Science Policy Institute·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateMar 28, 2023

Changing temperatures increase pesticide risk to bees

A new study suggests that climate change could lead to increased pesticide toxicity on bee populations and their pollination services. Environmental temperature can influence the degree to which pesticides affect bees' behavior, with certain temperatures causing a 'tipping point' in their ability to tolerate pesticide exposure.

SourceImperial College London·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2023

Tests conducted by giants of industry uncover compromised test conditions and fraudulent data on PCB products in the 1970s

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health reveals that Industrial Bio-Test Laboratories produced fraudulent reports on PCB products, claiming they were not carcinogenic. The researchers also found that test conditions were compromised, leading to the indictment and conviction of employees involved.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 16, 2023

Oncotarget | Selective protection of normal cells from chemotherapy, while killing drug-resistant cancer cells

A new review paper suggests that selective protection of normal cells from chemotherapy could increase the therapeutic window and improve outcomes for cancer patients. The authors propose using antagonistic drug combinations to kill drug-resistant cancer cells, reducing side effects and improving quality of life.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 13, 2023
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.

Researchers discover how too much oxygen damages cells and tissues

Scientists at Gladstone Institutes have discovered how excess oxygen changes proteins in our cells, triggering a cascade of events that damage cells and tissues. The findings have implications for conditions such as heart attacks and sleep apnea, revealing that hyperoxia is not solely caused by reactive oxygen species.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMar 8, 2023

FDA rule lowering drug dose is associated with less liver injury

A new study by Weill Cornell Medicine found that the FDA's mandate to limit opioid-acetaminophen combinations resulted in significant reductions in liver injuries. The mandate, implemented in 2014, limited the dosage of acetaminophen in these drugs, leading to a decline in hospitalizations and acute liver failure cases.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateMar 7, 2023
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.

St. Jude approach prevents drug resistance and toxicity

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital demonstrate a framework to develop solutions to evade detoxification networks in drug development, potentially reducing side effects. By altering the structure of a small molecule, they found a way to stretch out binding regions, making it energetically unfavorable for drugs to bind a...

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 28, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Looking beyond microplastics, Oregon State researchers find that cotton and synthetic microfibers impact behavior and growth of aquatic organisms

A new study from Oregon State University found that both cotton and synthetic microfibers have negative impacts on the behavior and growth of aquatic organisms. The research, published in Frontiers in Marine Science, suggests that increasing awareness and control over fiber release can help mitigate these effects.

SourceOregon State University·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateFeb 1, 2023

Oncotarget | Intraventricular immunovirotherapy; a translational step forward

Researchers developed a translational step forward in treating brain tumors using intraventricular immunovirotherapy, which has shown safety and efficacy in recent clinical trials. This approach uses oncolytic herpes simplex virus type-1 to target high-grade glioma with promising results.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 26, 2023

Micro-sized polyethylene particles show adverse effects in cell lines

Researchers investigated micro-sized polyethylene's toxicity on human colorectal cancer cells, finding decreased cell viability and increased reactive oxygen species production. Exposure to high doses caused cell death and oxidative stress responses.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJan 17, 2023
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.

Scientists improve the equation in FDA guidance predicting drug interactions

Researchers have improved the FDA's equation for predicting drug interactions by addressing fundamental limitations and incorporating new models. The modified equation has shown a significantly increased accuracy of about 80%, which is expected to contribute to increasing the success rate of new drug development.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalClinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 12, 2023

Metal-free batteries raise hope for more sustainable and economical grids

Researchers at KAUST developed a high-efficiency metal-free battery using ammonium cations as charge carriers, outperforming existing analogues with a record operation voltage of 2.75 volts. This breakthrough provides potential for lowering battery costs and enabling large-scale applications.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 10, 2023

Organic X-ray excitement for innovative imaging

KAUST researchers have designed and built novel organic scintillator materials for detecting X-rays at low doses, overcoming stability issues with existing ceramic or perovskite materials. The new approach uses heavy atoms to improve X-ray absorption capability and exciton utilization efficiency.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Photonics·DateJan 8, 2023
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.

3D-patient tumor avatars: Maximizing their potential for next-generation precision oncology

The use of 3D-patient tumor avatars (3D-PTAs) is crucial for guiding treatment decisions in precision oncology. These avatars, including patient-derived organoids, 3D bioprinting, and microscale models, can accurately depict a tumor with its microenvironment, enabling the testing and prediction of therapeutic drug efficacy.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalCancer Cell·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 20, 2022

Mouse study suggests new therapeutic strategy to reduce cardiovascular disease in cancer survivors

Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center discovered that common cancer treatments cause long-term damage to heart tissue by activating a key inflammatory signaling pathway. Inhibiting this pathway may reduce the risk of cancer survivors developing heart disease later in life.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2022

Microplastics could make other pollutants more harmful

Researchers discovered that microplastics can transform chromium metal into a more toxic form when attached to UV filters, potentially harming aquatic life. The study suggests that microplastics may not just accumulate contaminants, but also interact with them to increase environmental toxicity.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateDec 2, 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.

Study shows promising safety, patient outcomes data for MRI-guided adaptive radiation therapy to treat pancreatic cancer

A recent study found that MRI-guided adaptive radiation therapy, also known as SMART, has shown promising safety and patient outcomes data for treating locally advanced and borderline resectable pancreatic cancer. The study, led by Henry Ford Health, reported no incidence of acute grade 3 or higher gastrointestinal toxicity, with preli...

SourceHenry Ford Health·DateNov 21, 2022
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.

Nanocrystals store light energy and drive chemical reactions

Researchers have introduced novel ZnSe/ZnS quantum dots that efficiently drive challenging organic transformations with low toxicity. The secret to their success lies in their core/shell structure and variable coatings that can store light energy.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2022

Toxicity data reveal no safety concerns with S/N1806 bladder cancer trial

A recent study found that patients treated with the combination of chemoradiation therapy and immunotherapy in a phase 3 clinical trial did not experience significant safety concerns. The treatment regimen showed no significant increase in toxicity compared to standard trimodality therapy alone.

SourceSWOG Cancer Research Network·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 25, 2022

Particle radioactivity linked to pollution-associated heart attack and stroke death

Particle radioactivity from radon in air pollution increases toxicity and risk of death from cardiovascular disease, especially from heart attack and stroke. Researchers used spatiotemporal predictions to estimate exposure and found that higher gross beta-activity levels increased the risk of death from these conditions.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateOct 5, 2022
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Indoor air quality experiments show exposure risks while cooking, cleaning

A study by Colorado State University found that indoor air contains more known human toxins than outdoor air, particularly when cooking or cleaning. The research, called HOMEChem, identified compounds like benzene, formaldehyde, and acrolein as potential health risks.

SourceColorado State University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2022

High levels of PFAS detected in school uniforms

A peer-reviewed study detected PFAS in all 'stain-resistant' school uniforms tested from nine popular brands, with concentrations as high as those in outdoor clothing. The presence of PFAS in school uniforms poses a risk to children's health through skin absorption and inhalation.

SourceGreen Science Policy Institute·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2022

UPV/EHU study on adjusting pesticide regulation and use in European soils

Researchers analyzed four pesticides' effects on earthworms and springtails in Northern, Central, and Southern Europe. They found varying risks depending on soil compartment and pesticide characteristics. The study highlights the need to consider regional variability when regulating agricultural practices.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalChemosphere·DateAug 10, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Gene editing via CRISPR/Cas9 can lead to cell toxicity and genome instability

Researchers at IRB Barcelona have found that CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing can trigger cell toxicity and genomic instability, particularly in regions near the tumour suppressor protein p53. The study identified 3,300 targeted spots with strong toxic effects, highlighting the need for safer CRISPR reagents.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 9, 2022
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.

It’s raining PFAS

The levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in environmental media have dramatically decreased over the last 20 years due to new insights into their toxicity. However, due to the global spread of PFAS, environmental media everywhere will now exceed guidelines designed to protect human health.

SourceGreen Science Policy Institute·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 2, 2022

Opioid poisoning on the rise

A study by ETH Zurich researchers shows a sharp increase in opioid poisoning cases and sales in Switzerland between 2000 and 2019, with oxycodone being the second most common cause. The rise is similar to that seen in other European countries, but per capita sales are higher in Switzerland.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·DateJun 28, 2022

Medicare could save up to $3.6 billion by purchasing generic drugs at Mark Cuban prices

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that Medicare could save up to $3.6 billion by purchasing generic drugs at the same prices as the Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company. The researchers compared the price of 89 generic drugs sold by MCCPDC to the price Medicare paid in 2020 and estimated potential savings of up to $3....

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 20, 2022

Scientists offer solutions for risky tap water

High concentrations of disinfection byproducts in tap water are linked to adverse health outcomes. Researchers suggest adopting solutions such as advanced water treatment and sourcing water from less polluted areas to reduce the risk. Additionally, nanofiltration is proposed as an effective household treatment to improve water quality.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 16, 2022
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.

‘Cellular brake’ offers clue to autoimmune response during immunotherapy

Researchers at the University of Birmingham have identified a 'cellular brake' protein that may help prevent autoimmune responses in lung cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy treatment. This finding could enable clinicians to closely monitor high-risk patients and develop preventative strategies.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2022

Earth-abundant solar pixels found to produce hydrogen for weeks

Researchers have discovered a way to create devices that mimic natural photosynthesis, producing fuels like hydrogen instead of sugars. The breakthrough uses bismuth oxyiodide, a non-toxic semiconductor material that can produce clean hydrogen from water over weeks.

SourceSt. John's College, University of Cambridge·JournalNature Materials·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 7, 2022

Long-banned toxic chemicals remain a global threat

A new analysis found over 10 million tonnes of PCB-containing materials remain globally, posing public health and environmental threats. The Stockholm Convention's deadline for elimination is nearing, but most countries are not on track to meet it.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeCase study·DateJun 1, 2022

Threat of bioaccumulation: New study investigates impact of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on bay scallops

Researchers evaluated the toxicological effects of BaP on bay scallops, finding increased immune response-related parameters with time at higher concentrations. The study suggests that BaP dampens the immune response of scallops and decreases their capacity to respond to oxidative stress.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalFish & Shellfish Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Analysis Finds Government Websites Downplay PFAS Health Risks

An analysis found that government websites often understate PFAS health risks, failing to address the needs of highly exposed populations. The study recommends improved communication from agencies and non-governmental organizations to provide accurate and practical guidance for those affected.

SourceGreen Science Policy Institute·JournalEnvironmental Health·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 10, 2022