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2019 ESMO Award for Immuno-Oncology goes to Thomas Gajewski

Gajewski's research found that a 'hot' or T cell inflamed tumour microenvironment is key to unlocking immunotherapy efficacy. STING agonists and targeted therapies are being developed to combat 'cold' tumours with limited immune response.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateNov 4, 2019

Elusive cancer-related protein captured in flight

Researchers at Linköping University have successfully captured the instantaneous image of the MYC protein bound to TBP, shedding light on its role in cancer. The study reveals that MYC's adaptability and dynamic structure enable it to interact with over 300 proteins, making it a promising target for new cancer therapies.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateNov 4, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New chemical weapon to combat cancer

Researchers at UNIGE have developed a new formula, C2, composed of four anti-cancer drugs that target and kill tumour cells while leaving healthy cells intact. The formula has shown promising results in reducing the risk of resistance and side effects associated with high-dose treatments.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCancers·DateOct 23, 2019

Study shows how circulating tumor cells target distant organs

A USC study reveals that circulating tumor cells have a unique molecular signature that predicts specific organ targets, such as the brain. The discovery provides potential treatment targets to prevent cancer spread and improves detection and monitoring methods.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalCancer Discovery·DateOct 22, 2019

Silencing RNA nanotherapy shows promise against pancreatic cancer

Researchers at Washington University and USF Health developed a peptide-based nanoparticle that delivers siRNA to suppress KRAS-driven cancer growth without adverse effects. The nanoparticles effectively target tumor cells, reducing tumor cell death and slowing cancer growth.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateOct 21, 2019

Cell stiffness may indicate whether tumors will invade

Researchers found that cells on a tumor's periphery are softer and more likely to invade surrounding tissues. This softness enables the cells to spread through the body's vasculature, forming 'invasive tips' that break away from the tumor.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Physics·DateOct 21, 2019

A compound effective to chemotherapy-resistant cancer cells identified

A compound has been identified as effective in killing chemotherapy-resistant glioblastoma-initiating cells (GICs), a major challenge in treating this devastating cancer. The research also showed that the compound is non-toxic to normal cells, raising hopes for developing drugs with low toxicity.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNeuro-Oncology·DateOct 18, 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.

CNIO uses organoid technology and single-cell sequencing to advance in the study of bladder cancer

Researchers from CNIO developed stable long-term cultures of mouse urothelial cells, enabling the study of biological mechanisms underlying bladder cancer. They identified a small population of stem cells that gives rise to cancer, providing new insights into disease development and tissue regeneration.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 4, 2019

Engineered T cells may be harnessed to kill solid tumor cells

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered that engineered T cells can target and kill solid tumor cells coated in specific antibodies. This breakthrough in immunotherapy shows promise for treating various types of cancer, offering a more targeted approach than traditional chemotherapy.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 2, 2019
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.

Collagen fibers encourage cell streaming through balancing act

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis found that collagen fiber length can affect how cells move collectively, with longer fibers supporting streaming out of colonies and elongating cells. The study suggests that a balance between aggressiveness and cooperation is crucial for cell movement.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Cell Science·DateOct 1, 2019

Cancer protocols: A new approach to predicting treatment outcomes

The study found that tumor heterogeneity, not mutational burden, is a key factor in determining the success of immunotherapy for melanoma patients. Researchers developed an experimental system to systematically generate tumors with intermediate levels of genetic heterogeneity, leading to a high correlation between this factor and treat...

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalCell·DateSep 23, 2019

Engineered killer T cells could provide long-lasting immunity against cancer

Researchers at UCLA developed a therapy that permanently boosts the body's ability to produce invariant natural killer T cells (iNKT cells), which attack human tumors. The treatment, engineered from hematopoietic stem cells, effectively suppressed tumor growth in mice with multiple myeloma and melanoma.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateSep 23, 2019

Neurons promote growth of brain tumor cells

Researchers found that neurons in the brain form direct cell-to-cell contacts with aggressive glioblastoma cells, transmitting activation signals that drive tumor growth and invasion. Blocking this signal transmission can slow down tumor spread, offering new avenues for treatment.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalNature·DateSep 19, 2019
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 genetics of cancer

A team of researchers has identified a new circular RNA that promotes tumor activity, contradicting its role as a cancer suppressor. The discovery opens up new opportunities to understand the genetics of cancer and potentially develop targeted treatment protocols.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalCell Research·DateSep 12, 2019

Precious metal flecks could be catalyst for better cancer therapies

Researchers have developed a molecular shuttle system to deliver precious metal catalysts directly to cancer cells, potentially reducing side effects of chemotherapy. The new method uses artificial exosomes to transport palladium catalysts straight to primary tumours and metastatic cells.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Catalysis·DateSep 9, 2019

UTA scientist explores using nanoparticles to reduce size of deep-seated tumors

Researchers have made a breakthrough in cancer treatment using nanoparticles that can be activated by radiation, resulting in statistically significant reductions in tumor size. This innovative approach builds on previous research and has the potential to effectively treat tumors throughout the body.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 5, 2019
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.

ERC awards €1.5 million to research into rhabdoid tumors

Rhabdoid tumors are aggressive brain and kidney cancers with poor prognosis, requiring innovative treatments. The ERC grant aims to understand the disease's underlying mechanisms through unique models and lineage tracing techniques.

SourcePrincess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology·DateSep 3, 2019

Enzyme known for promoting cancer found to also protect healthy cells

Researchers discovered that telomerase, which promotes unlimited cell division in cancer cells, also prevents tumors and slows a key stage in normal cell death. In healthy adult cells, telomerase activates just before cell death, buffering cells from aging stresses and reducing DNA damage.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 2, 2019

$2M from NIH to extract meaningful data from CRISPR screens

The National Institutes of Health has granted $2.23 million in funding to develop statistical and computational methods for genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screening. The goal is to improve functional gene identification, analyze non-coding elements, and study genetic interactions, with potential applications in cancer research.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·DateAug 30, 2019

Cancer cells 'corrupt' their healthy neighbors

Researchers found that non-cancerous cells in tumor microenvironment regress into stem cell-like state, supporting cancer growth. This 'corruption' of neighboring cells enables cancer to thrive and spread.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalNature·DateAug 28, 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.

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.

Blocking inflammatory pathway key to preventing brain metastasis from melanoma

Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered that tumor cells 'hijack' an inflammatory pathway in the brain to spread melanoma, and blocking this pathway could prevent brain metastases. The study found that inhibiting the expression of a specific receptor on melanoma cells significantly inhibited the development of brain metastases.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 19, 2019

Single-cell sequencing reveals glioblastoma's shape-shifting nature

A recent study using single-cell sequencing has revealed that glioblastoma, a deadly brain cancer, can shift among four distinct cell types, each requiring separate targeted therapy. The findings indicate a need for combination treatments and provide new insights into the cancer's plastic nature.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalCell·DateAug 9, 2019

How cigarette smoke makes head and neck cancer more aggressive

Researchers found that cigarette smoke changes the metabolism of cells in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, making tumors more efficient as an ecosystem to promote cancer growth. The study also identified a protein on tobacco-exposed fibroblasts that drives these metabolic changes.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalMolecular Cancer Research·DateAug 8, 2019

Enhanced glow

Researchers developed a novel method to directly detect circulating tumor cells in blood samples without enrichment, using lanthanide ions released from nanoparticles. The technique was tested on cancer patients' blood samples, correctly identifying 14 out of 15 cases with strong correlation to cancer stage.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 7, 2019
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.

Cancer without end? Discovery yields fresh insights

Researchers have identified a contagious form of cancer in dogs, known as CTVT, which has persisted for thousands of years. The study reveals that cancer cells can evolve and stabilize over time, offering new insights into human cancer development and treatment.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateAug 1, 2019

Fly antimicrobial defence system doubles as tumor-killer

The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster produces more Defensin, which interacts with dying tumour cells and kills them, while sparing normal cells. This finding reveals an anti-tumour role for Defensin and provides insights into the molecular mechanisms behind AMPs' killing action.

SourceeLife·DateJul 30, 2019
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.

Overstuffed cancer cells may have an Achilles' heel

Researchers found a common vulnerability among aneuploid cancer cells, which are bloated and overstuffed due to high intracellular protein concentrations. The team identified a molecular pathway involving proteins ART1 and Rsp5 that regulates nutrient uptake in these cells.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature·DateJul 22, 2019

The protein that gives identical cells individuality

Researchers at Hokkaido University have discovered how a protein called Epe1 maintains a balance between tightly packed and variable DNA structures in yeast cells. This finding could lead to new strategies for suppressing the formation of tumor cells resistant to anti-cancer drugs.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJul 16, 2019

Elicio Therapeutics' Darrell Irvine co-authors research published in Science

Research conducted at the Irvine Lab at MIT's Koch Institute showed that activation of CAR-T cells in lymph nodes leads to massive CAR-T cell expansion and significant functional improvements. The AMP-CAR-T Platform combines CAR-T therapy with Amphiphile immunotherapies to amplify immune responses and combat solid tumors.

SourceDenterlein·JournalScience·DateJul 11, 2019

Researchers at IDIBELL-ICO describe a new resistance mechanism

Scientists at IDIBELL-ICO describe a novel mechanism of resistance to therapies that prevent blood vessel formation, which involves immune cells acting as tumor malignant elements. The study highlights the importance of targeting Sema4D and its secretion by macrophages to inhibit this mechanism.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalCancer Research·DateJul 2, 2019
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.

Genetically modified virus combats prostate cancer

Researchers have developed a genetically modified virus that kills cancer cells and makes them sensitive to chemotherapy drugs, halting tumor progression in mice. The combination of p53 gene therapy and cabazitaxel resulted in full control of tumor growth, with an additive or synergistic effect.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalGene Therapy·DateJun 26, 2019

How to reinvigorate exhausted immune cells and stop cancer along the way

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have identified a protein called TOX as the key regulator of exhausted immune cells in cancer. The discovery could lead to new immunotherapies that target or engineer TOX to reverse exhaustion and improve immunity to infections or cancer.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateJun 17, 2019

Salty diet reduces tumor growth by tackling immune cells

A high salt diet has been shown to inhibit tumor growth in mice by altering the function of certain immune cells called myeloid-derived suppressor cells. This effect could be beneficial for improving anti-cancer immunotherapies, but further research is needed to fully understand its therapeutic potential.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateJun 5, 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.

Killing the unkillable cancer cells

Researchers discovered a molecular mechanism that allows cancer cells to regenerate and evade therapy, but found treatments that can target these cells. The study provides a new logic for identifying therapies that can kill hard-to-kill cancer cells.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJun 4, 2019

Immune cells determine how fast certain tumors grow

Researchers found that immune cells recruited by tumor cells drive faster growth, suggesting targeting immune system cells could slow brain tumor growth in people with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). The study suggests reprogramming T cells to shut down tumors, a promising new strategy for treating NF1.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNeuro-Oncology·DateJun 3, 2019
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.

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.

Scientists discover potential breakthrough in the understanding of tumor dormancy

Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have made a significant discovery regarding tumor dormancy, a state of inactivity that allows cancer cells to evade detection and recurrence. By targeting senescent cells, they hope to develop novel therapeutics that can eliminate dormant tumor cells and prevent disease recurrence.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University, Massey Cancer Center·JournalCancer Research·DateMay 21, 2019

How molecular escorts help prevent cancer

Research at Technical University of Munich shows that molecular chaperones Hsp70 and Hsp40, as well as Hsp90, control the function of p53 by influencing its three-dimensional structure. This helps prevent cancer cells from growing.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMay 21, 2019

Shedding light on cancer metabolism in real-time with bioluminescence

Researchers have developed a new technique called BiGluc, which enables the visualization of glucose metabolism in real-time in cancerous tumors. This non-invasive imaging method could lead to more effective cancer treatments by identifying the metabolic requirements of different tumors.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Methods·DateMay 20, 2019

Biologists design new molecules to help stall lung cancer

Researchers have engineered molecules that restrict access to heme, an oxygen-binding molecule, to slow the growth of lung cancer tumors in mice. By starving cancer cells of this essential molecule, the new approach may provide a potential new path forward in treating non-small cell lung cancer.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalCancer Research·DateApr 23, 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.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.