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Vaccine design can dramatically improve cancer immunotherapies

Researchers at Northwestern University have designed spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) that stimulate powerful anti-cancer immune responses, completely eliminating tumors in 30% of animals and improving overall survival. The study's findings highlight the importance of chemical structure and three-dimensional presentation in vaccine design.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 6, 2019
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.

CAR-T immunotherapy and multiple myeloma

A Phase 1 clinical trial of CAR-T therapy found an 88.2% overall response rate in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. The treatment, called LCARB38M, targets the B-cell maturation antigen and achieved a stringent complete response in 13 patients.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2019

Identification of lymph node cells that may play important roles in immune tolerance

Researchers at Kanazawa University identified a new type of cell in lymph nodes that may play a crucial role in maintaining immune tolerance. These Aire ILC3-like cells are similar to innate lymphoid cells found in the gut and have been shown to eliminate auto-reactive T cells, suggesting they may help prevent autoimmune diseases.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateApr 10, 2019

For infection-fighting cells, a guideline for expanding the troops

A team from Princeton University used mathematical modeling to explore the relationship between T cell expansion and infectious agent levels. They found that the starting amount of infectious agent and affinity for the cells are key factors in determining the expansion rate. The study suggests a simple underlying mechanism governing th...

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Binding with consequences

Researchers discovered a mechanism by which bacteria like Burkholderia ambifaria activate white blood cells and attack the immune system. The study found that lectin BambL binds to carbohydrate residues on the surface of B cells, triggering an immune response in immunocompromised hosts.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalScience Signaling·DateMar 6, 2019

Gut immune cells play by their own rules

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science discovered that gut immune cells operate under harsh conditions and use a more socialistic principle to select B cells with varying levels of antibody affinity. This unique process may lead to the development of more effective oral vaccines.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Immunology·DateMar 4, 2019

Improving the body's ability to fight cancer and intruders

Researchers at Caltech have developed two new methods to determine T cell targets, which are critical for designing personalized treatments for cancers. The methods use a signaling domain attached to MHCs or trogocytosis to identify the correct antigen.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Methods·DateFeb 7, 2019

SFU researchers find new clues to controlling HIV

A team of researchers has identified a connection between infection control and how well antiviral T cells respond to diverse HIV sequences. This study suggests that individual T cells differ widely in their ability to recognize peptide variants, which may be clinically significant in controlling HIV infection.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 1, 2019

DNA origami: A precise measuring tool for optimal antibody effectiveness

Scientists have developed a precise measuring tool using DNA origami to optimize antibody effectiveness, with distances of approximately 16 nanometres providing the strongest bond. This technology can help better understand the immune response and design more effective antibodies for vaccines and immunotherapy.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 14, 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.

DNA design that anyone can do

Researchers developed a computer program that translates free-form drawings into DNA structures, enabling users to create complex nanostructures for various applications. The 'PERDIX' program uses a mathematical approach to automate the design process, making it accessible to anyone with basic drawing skills.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 3, 2019

NIH scientists illuminate causes of hepatitis b virus-associated acute liver failure

Researchers found that hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated acute liver failure results from an uncommon encounter between a highly mutated HBV variant and an unusual immune response in the patient's liver. By analyzing liver samples, they discovered new mechanisms about the disease, providing insights into its development.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2018
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.

The significance of water in a promising biomarker against cancer

Researchers discover water molecule stabilizes Tn antigen structure, leading to different interactions with cell receptors and antibodies. This finding has implications for developing synthetic molecules that can trigger a stronger immune response against cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 11, 2018

Vaccinating humans to protect mosquitoes from malaria

A new biotechnology advancement may boost the efficacy of a transmission-blocking vaccine (TBV) that prevents mosquitoes from spreading malaria. The vaccine, which induces humans to make malaria-attacking antibodies, could reduce malaria spread in sub-Saharan Africa where the disease kills over 400,000 people annually.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateOct 8, 2018

Cancer immunotherapy might benefit from previously overlooked immune players

A recent study found that CD4+ T cell's binding partner, MHC-II, plays a significant role in emerging tumors, suggesting new avenues for improving cancer immunotherapies. The researchers also discovered no correlation between MHC-II's ability to recognize antigens and the age at which patients were diagnosed with cancer.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell·DateSep 20, 2018

Differences in immune responses due to age, sex, and genetics

Research reveals that genetic factors and age are the strongest predictors of humoral immune responses to common pathogens and vaccines. The study also found that older individuals and women exhibit stronger antibody responses against most antigens.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalGenome Medicine·DateAug 6, 2018
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.

A promising new tool to measure antibodies against malaria

A new quantitative suspension array assay (qSAT) has been developed to measure antibodies against multiple Plasmodium falciparum proteins, simplifying sero-epidemiological studies and vaccine development. The assay is highly sensitive and specific, allowing for detailed analysis of natural and vaccine-induced antibody responses.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 3, 2018

Single-administration polio vaccine

Researchers developed a single-administration vaccine strategy using an injectable microsphere bearing inactivated polio vaccine, which releases stable antigen over time. The study found that injecting the microspheres into rats elicited a strong immune response against all three IPV antigens.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2018
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.

New era for blood transfusions through genome sequencing

Researchers have developed a computer program that can comprehensively determine differences in individuals' blood types with over 99% accuracy. This breakthrough has the potential to prevent serious complications and fatalities from blood transfusion reactions.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalThe Lancet Haematology·DateMay 17, 2018

Tailoring blood cells in the laboratory

Scientists have engineered red blood cell lines to express fewer antigens, making them less immunogenic for patients with rare blood types. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more universal blood sources for transfusion patients.

SourceEMBO·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateApr 26, 2018

T cell antigen receptors act alone: Longstanding immunological mystery solved

Researchers at TU Wien and Medical University of Vienna have discovered that T cell antigen receptors operate alone, contrary to previous assumptions. This groundbreaking finding has significant implications for understanding immune responses and developing effective therapies against cancer and autoimmune diseases.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Immunology·DateApr 18, 2018
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.

Stem cell vaccine immunizes lab mice against multiple cancers

A stem cell vaccine created from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has been shown to elicit strong immune responses in lab mice, effectively eliminating breast, lung, and skin cancers. The vaccine also prevented relapses in animals with removed tumors.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateFeb 15, 2018

Boosting cancer therapy with cross-dressed immune cells

Researchers developed artificial receptors called EVIR that enable dendritic cells to capture antigens from the patient's tumor, amplifying the immune response against cancer. The EVIR technology exploits pro-tumoral exosomes as selective nanocarriers of tumor antigens.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Methods·DateJan 22, 2018

Researchers use AI technology to chart immune cell receptor

Scientists used AI technology to create a map of T-cell receptor diversity, discovering that patients with cancer who have a greater variety of receptors may be more likely to respond to immunotherapy. The research suggests that this variation in receptors could be key to improving treatment outcomes

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCancer Immunology Research·DateJan 8, 2018
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.

Hunting for immune cells' cancer targets

Scientists have identified a common target shared by the T-cell receptors of two patients with colorectal cancer, paving the way for personalized immunotherapies. The breakthrough could lead to the development of broadly effective treatments that harness the immune system to fight cancer.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalCell·DateDec 21, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

A risk factor for drug-induced skin disease identified

A type of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) gene, HLA-DQB1*03:01, is associated with an increased risk of developing bullous pemphigoid (BP) in diabetic patients taking DPP-4 inhibitory drugs. The gene was found to be present in 86% of non-inflammatory BP patients administered with DPP-4i, compared to 18% in the general population.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateDec 6, 2017

Location, location, location: Immunization delivery site matters

Dendritic cells known as cDC2s are crucial for robust T cell induction and antibody production in vaccination. The study found that intradermal injections may be more efficient than traditional methods, expanding the number of people who can be vaccinated during a pandemic.

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalScience Immunology·DateDec 1, 2017

New strategy for multiple myeloma immunotherapy

Researchers at Osaka University developed a new strategy for multiple myeloma immunotherapy by identifying a novel therapeutic target, MMG49, specifically recognizing integrin β7. The resulting CAR-T treatment showed anti-MM effects without damaging normal blood cells.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 27, 2017
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.

The skinny on lipid immunology

Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Monash University uncover the basis for T cell receptor autoreactivity to self-phospholipids, with implications for psoriasis, contact hypersensitivities, and allergies. The study highlights the physical structures that enable lipid recognition by T cells.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Immunology·DateOct 20, 2017
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.

Vorinostat renders dormant HIV infection vulnerable to clearance

Researchers at UNC Health Care have developed an assay to detect antigen production and immune effectors capable of clearing infected cells. Vorinostat reverses latent HIV infection, making it vulnerable to clearance and potentially paving the way for a cure for the millions living with the virus.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalEBioMedicine·DateAug 1, 2017
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.

Researchers develop new method to generate human antibodies

Researchers have developed a new method to generate specific human antibodies in the laboratory using nanoparticles. This technique can produce high-affinity antibodies within days, offering potential for rapid therapeutic antibody production and accelerated vaccine development.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 24, 2017
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.

Gut check: A molecule that balances the immune system in the gut

Researchers at MUSC found that gp96 is essential for maintaining a balanced immune system in the gut, preventing colitis. Without gp96, pAPCs become more inflammatory, leading to an imbalance of T cell populations and the development of colitis.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 13, 2017

Study unveils T cell signaling process central to immune response

Researchers have unveiled the molecular mechanism of T cell activation, a key step in the immune response. The study used nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to probe the interaction between a T cell receptor and an HIV protein, shedding light on the signaling process that triggers an immune response.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 16, 2017
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.

Prostate cancer screening rates appear to level after recent drop

A new study by the American Cancer Society found that prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing rates among men 50 years or older have leveled off at 32.1%. This trend is notable given previous declines in PSA screening rates, which dropped from 37.8% in 2010 to 30.8% in 2013.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 24, 2017

Researchers detect protein that increases effectiveness of vaccines

Researchers have discovered a protein called PorB, found on the exterior of bacteria, which can increase both antibody production and stimulate cytotoxic T cells to fight off infections. The study demonstrates the potential for this protein to enhance vaccine effectiveness against various diseases, including cancer and HIV.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 7, 2017

UVA finds ANOTHER immune system link science said didn't exist

Scientists at UVA have discovered an unexpected connection between the immune system and the testes, which may explain why some cancer vaccines are failing to work. This finding could lead to new treatments for autoimmune disorders and male infertility, as doctors target specific antigens released by the testes.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 23, 2017

Fast and accurate paper test determines blood type in seconds

The new test classifies samples into common ABO and Rh blood groups in under 30 seconds after two simple steps, with high accuracy rate even for rare blood types. The test's rapid turnaround time makes it ideal for resource-limited situations such as war zones or emergencies.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 15, 2017
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.

Cargo-carrying red blood cells alleviate autoimmune diseases in mice

Researchers have used modified red blood cells to deliver disease-specific antigens, preventing and alleviating multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes in early stage mouse models. The approach shows promise for inducing tolerance and could lead to new therapies for autoimmune diseases.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2017

How the border guards fail in HIV infection

Researchers found abnormal antibody levels in HIV-1-infected individuals, suggesting an important factor contributing to the failure of the gut to prevent microbial invasion. The study revealed a significant elevation of immunoglobulin M levels and decreased ratios of IgG/IgM and IgA/IgM in HIV-1-infected patients.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJan 26, 2017
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.

How 1000 new genetic variants were discovered in blood groups

A recent study by Lund University researcher Mattias Möller has identified 1000 new genetic variants in blood group genes, which could have negative effects during blood transfusions. The discovery was made possible by developing a new computer program to process the genomes of 2504 people, providing insights into human genetic variation.

SourceLund University·JournalBlood Advances·DateJan 26, 2017