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Protein in embryonic stem cells controls malignant tumor cells

A study led by Mary J. C. Hendrix found that the Lefty protein, secreted only in human embryonic stem cells, inhibits growth and spread of melanoma and breast cancer cells. This breakthrough suggests potential therapeutic modalities for cancer treatment and highlights the utility of isolating factors within the embryonic microenvironment.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Genome-wide survey nets key melanoma gene

Researchers identified a protein, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7 (IGFBP7), that regulates melanocytes' decision to ward off cancer by entering a programmed hibernation or committing suicide. This discovery offers new hope for treating deadly melanoma by harnessing the body's natural defense pathway.

Story ideas from the Journal of Biological Chemistry

Researchers developed a mutated anthrax toxin that targets melanoma cells, with 100% of mice tolerated lethal doses. The toxin was more specific and effective than natural toxin, inhibiting angiogenesis and killing other tumors like colon and lung.

Cancer drug works by overactivating cancer gene

Researchers found that bortezomib selectively inhibits melanoma tumor cells by overactivating the cancer-promoting gene c-MYC, leading to increased production of NOXA and promoting cell death. The study suggests a novel treatment strategy for various types of cancer.

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.

CD200 stifles anti-tumor immunity

High levels of CD200 expression in melanomas represses activation of antitumor T cell immune responses by dendritic cells. Targeting the interaction between CD200 and its receptor may provide a new treatment approach for metastatic melanoma.

New type of drug shows promise in attacking melanoma in an innovative way

The experimental drug STA-4783 has been shown to delay cancer progression and prolong patient lives by inducing oxidative stress in cancer cells. In a randomized trial, patients treated with the combination of STA-4783 and chemotherapy lived up to 12 months after diagnosis, compared to 7.8 months for those receiving only chemotherapy.

Melanoma drug revs immune cells but cancer cells ignore it

Researchers found that an important melanoma treatment has little effect on cancer cells themselves, but instead boosts immune system cells. The study highlights the need to develop ways to make melanoma cells more vulnerable to the drug or overcome the block within cells that prevents them from responding.

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.

Finding protection from tumor growth in unexpected places

A study published in The American Journal of Pathology found that a specific enzyme helps protect against tumor growth by enhancing the immune response. Mice with high levels of this enzyme in their macrophages were resistant to melanoma and lymphoma, demonstrating its potential as a new cancer therapy.

Reversing cancer cells to normal cells

A study by Dr. Mary J.C. Hendrix found that inhibiting Nodal signaling in aggressive melanoma cells can reverse their invasiveness and tumor formation, reverting them to a more benign skin cell type. This discovery provides a promising new target for regulating tumor progression and metastasis.

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.

Listening to the sound of skin cancer

Researchers have developed a new method to detect metastasizing melanoma cells in the blood using photoacoustic detection, which can identify as few as 10 cancer cells. The technique uses laser techniques and ultrasound methods to emit noise from cancer cells, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment.

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.

UVA studies potential target for skin cancer treatment

Researchers at UVA Health System have discovered cancer-testis antigens, called SPANX proteins, which could selectively kill melanoma tumors while sparing the rest of the body's tissues. These antigens may also help develop a vaccine to stimulate the immune system to attack and suppress melanoma tumors.

Why don't all moles progress to melanoma?

Researchers found that melanocytes use a mechanism called premature senescence to prevent cancer-causing mutations from triggering melanoma. This process involves the endoplasmic reticulum, which senses oncogene activity and triggers a response that stops cell division and prevents tumor growth.

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.

Science researchers genetically transform immune cells into tumor fighters

Researchers successfully transformed normal immune cells into tumor fighters, demonstrating their ability to persist in the body and shrink large tumors in humans. The engineered cells were found to show signs of persistence in 15 of the 17 patients in the study, with two patients seeing significant tumor shrinkage.

Malignant melanoma cells secrete protein required for embryo formation

Researchers discovered that malignant melanoma cells secrete Nodal, a protein essential for proper embryo development, inducing abnormal skull and backbone formation in zebrafish embryos. Blocking Nodal signaling reduced melanoma cell invasiveness and promoted reversion to normal skin cells.

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.

Melanoma may be over-diagnosed

Researchers have defined normal melanocyte numbers in sun-exposed skin, distinguishing sun damage from early melanoma. This finding allows for less tissue removal and trauma to the skin.

Education campaign improves skin cancer screening rates

A community-based education campaign significantly increased skin cancer screening rates in men over 50, with a two-fold increase in self-screening and four-fold increase in physician-screening. Men who recognized personal risk factors or had previously removed skin lesions were more likely to undergo screening.

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.

Targeted melanoma education of high risk groups improves screening

A new study reveals that targeted melanoma education of high-risk groups leads to sustained improvements in skin self-examination rates. The intervention, which included personalized educational materials and counseling sessions, significantly increased the number of siblings who performed regular skin self-examinations.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Scientists tie several cancers to common 'oncogene engine'

Researchers identified a shared causative mechanism among malignant melanoma, soft-tissue sarcomas, and pediatric renal carcinoma, suggesting a common therapeutic strategy. The discovery centers on the MiT transcription factor family, which regulates growth genes and is abnormally expressed in these cancers.

Recurrent melanoma may be more common than previously thought

Researchers found that 20% of participants developed additional melanoma within one year and 27% within two years after initial diagnosis. Those with atypical moles had a higher risk of developing additional melanomas, with those having three or more atypical moles being four times more likely to develop multiple tumors.

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.

Stem cell microenvironment reverses malignant melanoma

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that human embryonic stem cells can reprogram metastatic melanoma cells to a more normal state by mimicking their natural microenvironment. The findings suggest a new approach for investigating the effects of identifying key factors in reversing tumor cell properties.

New ECCO studies highlight promising potential of cancer immunotherapy

A new vaccine-based approach has been shown to prolong disease progression in patients with renal cancer and malignant melanoma. The therapy, which uses latex or silica beads, was found to stabilise and control disease for an average of one year. In contrast, standard treatments have limited efficacy and are often toxic.

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.

Key mechanism found that promotes spread of malignant melanoma

Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a potential target for preventing metastatic melanoma, the cancer's ability to spread and be fatal. The study identified focal adhesion kinase (FAK) as a key player in promoting aggressive melanoma behavior.

JCI table of contents November, 2005

Researchers pinpoint CD36 as the first candidate for detecting fatty acids in the oral cavity, influencing digestive physiology and potentially increasing obesity risk. The study also reveals an alteration in the fat perception system may impact HIV transmission through human milk.

Monitoring the response to vaccination against melanoma

Researchers have identified distinct patterns of responses in patient cells after vaccination against melanoma, which may help monitor treatment response. The study found that certain compounds were secreted by cells in patients whose tumors did not grow after vaccination.

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.

Researchers discover why melanoma is so malignant

Melanoma cells can efficiently spread due to reactivation of dormant Slug gene, which enables swift travel through the body. This discovery sheds light on why melanoma metastasizes at an earlier stage than other cancers.

Ingredient that makes curry yellow effective against melanoma cells

Researchers have found curcumin to be an effective compound in reducing cell viability and inducing apoptosis in melanoma cell lines. The study reveals that curcumin suppresses specific proteins involved in preventing apoptosis, suggesting its potential as a potent anti-cancer agent.

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.

Tiny zebrafish teaches researchers how to fight off a deadly cancer

Researchers found that zebrafish embryos with human metastatic melanoma cells suppress tumor development, suggesting potential for new cancer therapies. The study provides a powerful model for investigating tumor-microenvironment interactions and reversing the aggressive phenotype of cancer cells.

True cancer-causing genes revealed by new technique, say Stanford researchers

A novel technique developed by Stanford researchers allows scientists to distinguish between possible cancer-causing genes and those that are harmless. Mutations in the PI3K gene were found to be a primary driver of melanoma, while a mutation in the B-Raf gene did not cause cancer despite being commonly associated with the disease.

Engineered skin offers clues to melanoma development

Researchers generated human skin tissue with cancer-associated genes to study melanoma development. They found that specific gene combinations, such as Ras and hTERT, induced invasive melanoma growth in human tissue.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Targeting mutant B-Raf protein reduces melanoma development

Researchers discovered that targeting mutant B-Raf protein can prevent the spread of melanoma and halt tumor growth. Lowering mutant B-Raf activity reduced melanoma development in human cells, providing a potential breakthrough for treating this aggressive form of skin cancer.

When does a mole become a melanoma?

Researchers genetically engineered zebrafish to develop black-pigmented moles with mutated human BRAF and p53 genes. The study shows that BRAF mutations are necessary for mole development, but insufficient for cancer. The model provides insights into how gene mutations contribute to melanoma

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.

Jump-starting T cells in skin cancer

Researchers found that vaccination against tumor-specific proteins can reinvigorate existing T cells, allowing them to attack tumors. This breakthrough suggests a new approach to treating skin cancer by targeting the immune system's natural defense mechanisms.

Scientist discover the cellular roots of graying hair

Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that the loss of hair color is caused by the gradual dying off of adult stem cells, which become depleted and make errors. This discovery may lead to a better understanding of the underlying mechanism of graying and potentially inform treatment for malignant melanoma.

Scientists identify protein critical to melanoma growth

Researchers found that blocking CDK2 activity may control deadly skin cancer without harming normal cells. The study's findings suggest a therapeutic window for a drug that suppresses melanoma growth by shutting down CDK2 activity, potentially leading to a new treatment option.

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.

Other highlights in the December 1 JNCI

A new study of pesticide applicators found an increased incidence of lung cancer associated with chlorpyrifos exposure. Meanwhile, research on celecoxib-induced apoptosis in human lung cancer cells and the molecular mechanism of DNA repair proteins' relation to malignant melanoma are also reported.

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.