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Finding the right target to prevent medulloblastoma relapse

Researchers have found that targeting the GLI protein is more effective in treating medulloblastoma than previously thought, with a potential breakthrough in reducing tumor aggressiveness. The study's findings offer new hope for improving treatment outcomes and survival rates for children with this rare cancer.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 20, 2022
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.

Researchers uncover unanticipated aspects of the genetic regulation of different brain tumors

A team at Baylor College of Medicine found that Sox9, a well-known transcription factor, affects brain tumor growth differently in various tumor types. The study revealed distinct mechanisms for regulating epigenetic patterns, which may lead to new possibilities for developing novel therapies.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

Investigational blood tests can detect multiple signs of brain cancer to help improve diagnosis and monitoring

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a blood test that can detect multiple mutations associated with brain cancer, including EGFRvIII. The test showed high sensitivity and specificity, making it a powerful tool for diagnosing gliomas and monitoring tumor progression.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

New insights into melanoma brain metastases

Researchers uncovered details about the underlying biology of melanoma brain metastases, including genomics, immunology, and spatial organization. The study found that melanoma brain metastases are more chromosomally unstable than other types of metastases, with potential therapeutic targets in reduced chromosomal instability.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 15, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Dynamic cells linked to brain tumor growth and recurrence

A study by Michigan Medicine researchers has identified oncostreams, highly active cells connected to brain tumor growth and invasion. The team found that eliminating Collagen 1 production from tumor cells reduces tumor aggressive behavior. This discovery could lead to novel therapeutic targets for treating lethal brain tumors.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2022

Molecule that combines three distinct technologies against most aggressive type of brain cancer is tested

Researchers have developed a molecule that uses nanotechnology, chemotherapy and a monoclonal antibody to target glioblastoma multiforme, the most aggressive type of brain cancer. The treatment showed promise in isolated cells and animal models, with significant reductions in tumor volume and no increased toxicity.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Pharmaceutics·DateJun 14, 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.

Engineers develop nanoparticles that cross the blood-brain barrier

A team of MIT researchers has developed drug-carrying nanoparticles that can efficiently penetrate the brain and kill glioblastoma cells. Using a human tissue model, they showed that the particles could get into tumors and deliver chemotherapy drugs, including cisplatin, which effectively killed tumor cells.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 1, 2022
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.

Meta-analysis shows targeted radiation therapy may be as effective as standard care for small cell lung cancer patients with brain metastases

A meta-analysis published in The Lancet Oncology suggests that targeted radiation therapy, which spares healthy brain tissue, is equitable to whole brain radiation therapy for patients with small cell lung cancer and brain metastases. This approach may improve their care experience with fewer negative cognitive consequences.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 27, 2022

A nanoparticle and inhibitor trigger the immune system, outsmarting brain cancer

Researchers at Michigan Medicine developed a nanoparticle-based inhibitor that successfully triggers the immune system to eliminate brain tumors in mouse models. The approach breaks the shield built by glioma cells around the immune system, allowing the immune cells to attack and delay tumor progression.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2022

Epilepsy drug stops nervous system tumor growth in mice

Researchers discovered that neurons carrying a mutation in the Nf1 gene are hyperexcitable and suppressing this hyperactivity with lamotrigine stops tumor growth in mice. The study provides an explanation for why some people with NF1 lack optic gliomas or neurofibromas, highlighting the critical role of neurons in tumor biology.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2022
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.

Fast-tracked: First in-human trial for aggressive brain tumors

Researchers are developing a novel MRI nanotechnology that targets specific markers in solid tumours, including high-grade brain cancers. The new imaging technology has shown promising preclinical results and is set to be tested in a first-in-human clinical trial.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

ASTRO issues clinical guideline on radiation therapy for brain metastases

The new ASTRO guideline provides guidance on radiation therapy for brain metastases, including evidence-based recommendations for multidisciplinary planning and delivery of advanced techniques to manage intact and resected brain tumors. The guideline aims to improve quality of life and outcomes for patients with brain metastases.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalPractical Radiation Oncology·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 10, 2022

Recurring brain tumor growth is halted with new drug

A new drug called abemaciclib has been shown to halt the growth of recurring brain tumors in patients with aggressive meningiomas. The treatment targets a common molecular pathway that enables cells to divide rapidly and come back after surgery, allowing researchers to predict recurrence more accurately.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2022
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.

Exposure to wildfires increases risk of cancer

A new study from McGill University finds that people living near regions prone to wildfires may have a higher incidence of lung cancer and brain tumors. Exposure to carcinogenic wildfire pollutants on a chronic basis increases the risk of certain cancers, according to researchers.

SourceMcGill University·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 9, 2022

Brain metastasis looking back in the mirror

Researchers created patient-derived models of brain metastases that recapitulate human disseminated disease, reflecting clinical manifestations and biological characteristics. These models can be used to test therapeutic value of different treatments and explore new approaches tailored to each patient.

SourceInstituto de Medicina Molecular·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2022

Lockdown for tumour cells

A novel inhibitor has been discovered that stalls a critical enzyme inside tumour cells, locking them in place and preventing invasion into healthy tissue. The findings hold promise for the development of metastasis-blocking agents.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateApr 20, 2022
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.

Methionine restriction may improve aggressive brain cancer prognosis in children

A study from the University of Pittsburgh found that methionine restriction can slow down the growth of difficult-to-treat brain tumors in children, known as diffuse midline gliomas. The researchers discovered that these tumors are uniquely dependent on methionine, an amino acid, and that depleting it can repress cancer cell growth.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Cancer·DateApr 14, 2022

Researchers have developed a Russian-language method for the preoperative mapping of language areas

Researchers have created a Russian-language protocol for functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to map individual language areas before neurosurgical operations. The study successfully validated the protocol in a control group, showing its ability to comprehensively map brain regions and reveal lateralisation of language function.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateApr 8, 2022

Treatment which ‘switches off’ cancer cells and limits tumour growth, could make aggressive brain tumour easier to treat

Researchers have discovered a potential new treatment for glioblastoma, which targets 'kinase' proteins to limit tumour growth and improve existing chemotherapeutic drugs. This breakthrough therapy may provide hope for patients with aggressive brain tumours, offering a more effective and sustainable approach to treatment.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalOncogene·DateApr 7, 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.

Houston Methodist researchers identify an immunotherapy target to combat glioblastomas

Glioblastomas, the deadliest brain cancer, have evaded immune cells by promoting immunosuppressive myeloid cells. Researchers identified S100A4 as a key molecule that can selectively target these immune suppressive cells. This discovery paves the way for new therapeutic strategies to restore antitumor action in glioblastoma patients.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2022

Spinal fluid sampling used to track treatment response in pediatric glioma

Researchers collected hundreds of cerebrospinal fluid samples from patients with Diffuse Midline Glioma, tracking changes in cell-free tumor DNA over time. The findings suggest that this method could provide data about tumors sooner than MRIs alone, allowing clinicians to address aggressive brain cancer more effectively.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNeuro-Oncology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 24, 2022
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.

Computational approach enables spatial mapping of single-cell data within tissues

Researchers developed a computational approach called CellTrek to combine parallel gene-expression profiling methods, creating spatial maps at single-cell resolution. The tool provides detailed information on individual cell types' location within tissues, enabling unique biological insights.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMar 21, 2022

Immunotherapy delays disease progression of high-grade meningiomas

Researchers have found that immune checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab can slow disease progression in patients with high-grade meningiomas. The study showed that nearly half of all patients were alive and without evidence of disease progression for at least 6 months after treatment.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 21, 2022

Youngest brain tumor patients have significantly poorer outcomes than older pediatric patients

Research led by Adam Green, MD, shows that the youngest patients with brain tumors (ages 0-3 months) have about half the five-year survival rate as children ages 1-19. The study analyzed population-based data for almost 14,500 children and found significantly poorer outcomes among the youngest patients.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Neuro-Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 18, 2022
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.

Experimental combinatorial therapy eliminates an incurable brain tumor

Researchers at IBiS have developed a new treatment that completely eliminated glioblastoma tumors in animal models, offering a new therapeutic option against this aggressive disease. The therapy combines the use of ADI-PEG20 with focal brain radiotherapy and has shown promising results without side effects.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 22, 2022

Low-cost, 3D printed device may broaden focused ultrasound use

Researchers have developed a low-cost, easy-to-use focused ultrasound device that can precisely target the mouse brain. The $80 device, created using a 3D printer, has been shown to achieve sub-millimeter targeting accuracy and improve drug delivery outcome.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2022

CNIO researchers design a drug screening platform compatible with patient biopsies to fight metastasis

Researchers have designed METPlatform, a drug screening platform compatible with patient biopsies, to investigate patients' own tumour tissue. The platform has identified new therapeutic targets and biomarkers for aggressive brain metastases, suggesting HSP90 inhibitors as potential treatments.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateFeb 17, 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.

Are scientists being fooled by bacteria?

Researchers developed a method called 6mASCOPE that measures DNA tagging system accuracy and distinguishes bacterial from human DNA. The study found high levels of methylation in plant, fly, mouse, and human cells, but mostly attributed to contamination.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2022

Magnetic seeds used to heat and kill cancer

Scientists at University College London have developed a novel cancer therapy using magnetic seeds guided by an MRI scanner to heat and destroy tumours. The therapy, called MINIMA, has the potential to precisely treat hard-to-reach cancers with minimal side effects.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2022

Not all brains are equal: Why the human brain is more vulnerable to disease

Breakthrough research reveals Tuberous Sclerosis Complex arises from human-specific progenitor cells, explaining its pathology. Human-derived cerebral organoid models shed light on complex brain development and potential mechanisms for other diseases.

SourceIMBA- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 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.

Searching for breakthroughs on multiple fronts

A UC researcher is leading three projects to study the genetic workings of deadly pediatric brain tumors, including DIPG. The goal is to understand how genes regulate blood vessels and develop more effective treatments. Researchers are also exploring a new drug that targets a specific genetic mutation.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateJan 25, 2022

For glioma patients, a mutated gene may open the door to new treatment options

Researchers found that glioma cells with mutated ATRX have reduced Chk1 activity, leading to dysregulated cell cycle and heightened sensitivity to ATM inhibitors. The study suggests that combining radiation therapy with these inhibitors may improve treatment outcomes for patients with this gene mutation.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2022

Drug modifies epigenome in aggressive brain tumors

A phase 1 clinical trial found that the DNA methylome of aggressive brain tumors can be reprogrammed with L-methylfolate, a folic acid-like drug. The treatment showed improved median overall survival in patients with recurrent glioblastoma, paving the way for future epigenetic studies and potential immunotherapy combinations.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalCancer Research Communications·DateJan 5, 2022
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.

Research breakthrough could see HIV drugs used to treat low-grade brain tumours

Researchers have discovered that HIV drugs may be effective in treating low-grade brain tumours, specifically meningioma and acoustic neuroma. High levels of HERV-K proteins were found to stimulate the growth of these tumours, and targeted drugs have been identified to reduce their growth.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalCancer Research·TypeObservational study·DateDec 17, 2021

Glioma invasion may be affected by the parietooccipital fissure and white matter fibers rather than being a random phenomenon

Research reveals that the parietooccipital fissure acts as an obstacle to glioma invasion, with tumor cells making a detour around it. This finding highlights the importance of this fissure in determining the invasion pattern of posterior medial temporal gliomas.

SourceJournal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·TypeObservational study·DateDec 14, 2021

Asthma may reduce risk of brain tumors -- but how?

Researchers found that asthma causes immune cells to behave in a way that prevents brain tumor growth, suggesting a potential new therapeutic approach. The findings suggest reprogramming T cells to act like those in asthma patients could be a new treatment for brain tumors.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 10, 2021
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.

Researchers identify significant differences in tumor characteristics between younger and older cancer patients

Investigators at Weill Cornell Medicine identified significant age-related differences in tumor characteristics across various cancers, suggesting potential for personalized treatment approaches. They found that tumors from younger patients showed advanced signs of aging and more mutations associated with aggressive disease.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 7, 2021

Elacestrant may improve outcomes for patients whose metastatic breast cancers progressed on prior endocrine therapy

In a phase III trial, elacestrant showed significant benefits in decreasing death or disease progression and increasing progression-free survival compared to standard of care. The treatment was well-tolerated with manageable side effects, offering hope for patients with ER-positive/HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateDec 7, 2021

UCLA research shows why immune checkpoint blockade impedes but does not stop glioblastoma progression

A UCLA research team found that PD-1 blockade initially activates T cells and conventional dendritic cells in glioblastoma, but the immune microenvironment remains dominated by immunosuppressive cells. The study suggests that combining therapies targeting other checkpoint proteins and pathways may improve treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Personalized T cell immunotherapy for pediatric brain tumors is one step closer to becoming a reality

Researchers at Children's National Hospital have successfully developed a personalized T cell immunotherapy that targets and kills unique proteins in individual tumor cells. This approach, combining genetic sequencing and protein identification, offers a promising treatment option for children with hard-to-treat brain tumors.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 18, 2021

Young adult cancer patients may need different treatment options

A Mount Sinai study reveals that young adult cancer patients exhibit distinct genetic hallmarks and immune system responses compared to their older counterparts. These findings suggest personalized treatment approaches for young adults with various types of cancers.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCell Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 16, 2021
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.