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Drug may treat previously incurable brain cancer, say Stanford researchers

A new combination treatment using arsenic trioxide and radiation has shown promising results in treating glioblastoma, a previously incurable form of brain cancer. The study found that exposing glioblastoma cells to radiation within two hours of receiving a dose of arsenic trioxide amplified the effects of radiation treatment on its own.

Gene silencer may improve chemo and radiation

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center have discovered a gene silencer that blocks cancer cells' ability to repair themselves after chemotherapy and radiation. By reducing the production of targeted repair proteins, the silencer enables cancer cells to become susceptible to therapy.

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.

Fighting the side effects of radiation

Brain cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy are at risk of life-threatening infections due to suppressed immune systems. Researchers found that monitoring immune cell counts and administering prophylactic antibiotics can prevent these side effects, with no patient developing pneumonia or other serious infections in the study.

Technique reduces time spent on radiation doses

Researchers have developed a new technique using wavelet analysis to speed up radiation dose calculations, allowing for more accurate control over radiation doses and reduced damage to adjacent healthy tissues. This breakthrough uses wavelets to give good fast approximations to smooth data fields with 'rough' noise.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Finding dirty bombs and other radiation threats

NIST researchers are investigating detection devices to detect dirty bombs and radiation threats, ensuring accuracy in various conditions. The new standards will improve the calibration of detectors, reducing errors in measuring high, medium, or low energy radiation sources.

New technique lowers CT radiation dose for children

A new study provides a precise formula to lower CT radiation doses for pediatric patients, reducing abdominal doses by up to 80%. The technique charts offer guidance for both head and body CT scans for children from infancy to adolescence.

Chemotherapy may suppress breast cancer risk in Hodgkin’s survivors

Women treated with radiation therapy and chemotherapy had a 61% lower risk of developing breast cancer compared to those who received only radiation. The authors suggest that ovarian hormones play a role in promoting tumor growth after radiation, which may explain the increased breast cancer risk in young women exposed to radiation.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Scientists identify mechanism for tumor death by radiation

A recent study provides the first genetic evidence that damage to blood vessels feeding tumors plays a primary role in tumor regression. Damage to endothelial cells, which line blood vessels, can induce apoptosis, leading to tumor death. The study's findings suggest possible new clinical approaches for radiation therapy.

CT colonography method reduces radiation risk

A new low-dose CT colonography technique reduces radiation risk for non-invasive colon cancer screening. However, it may limit subtle differentiation of extracolonic soft tissues. The study suggests that this technique is suitable for asymptomatic screening but may require a standard dose for symptomatic patients.

Other highlights of the May 7 JNCI

Researchers identified a link between specific genetic mutations and increased risk of osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. They also developed a non-invasive method to measure thymidylate synthase inhibition using carbon-labeled thymidine PET scanning.

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.

Patients not told about risks and benefits of radiology procedures

A recent study reveals that emergency room physicians often fail to inform patients about the risks and benefits of radiology procedures, including abdominal pelvic CT scans. The study found that only 22% of physicians accurately explained the radiation dose, while 74% underestimated it.

Georgia chemist wins national award for computer-based research

Theoretical chemist Schaefer wins the ACS Award for his groundbreaking work on simulating genetic material responses to electron bombardment. His research uses computer programs to derive new formulations and concepts, shedding light on complex chemical behavior and emerging properties of materials.

Artemis: a little bit is not enough

Individuals with reduced functional Artemis protein are prone to mild immunodeficiency and increased risk of developing lymphomas. This finding suggests that mutations in Artemis or other DNA repair genes may be responsible for immune deficiency and/or lymphoma cases.

Radiation-resistant organism reveals its defense strategies

Researchers found that Deinococcus radiodurans' DNA is packed tightly into a ring, preventing breakage and allowing it to withstand extreme stresses. The microbe's unique ring-like DNA structure enables it to repair damaged DNA and survive in harsh environments.

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.

Exposure to atomic bomb radiation associated with nervous system tumors

A study of Japanese atomic bomb survivors found a significant association between radiation exposure and an increased risk of all nervous system tumors, with higher risks for schwannomas, men, and children. The authors suggest that these increased risks persist throughout lifetime, regardless of age at exposure.

Texas spaceports, Mars colonies on drawing board at UH

The University of Houston is developing blueprints for Texas spaceports and a Mars colony, aiming to provide a less expensive alternative to government-run facilities. The program will consider factors such as propulsion systems, habitat design, and radiation protection, with the goal of creating a sustainable human presence on Mars.

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.

Combining two types of radiation therapy better for treating brain cancer

Researchers found that combining whole brain radiation with stereotactic radiosurgery improved survival rates by one to two months for patients with single brain metastases. Those with multiple metastases showed some improvement in survival, but not as much, and added medications may further enhance treatment outcomes.

Blocking pathway overcomes tumor vessel resistance to radiation

Researchers discovered a biochemical signaling pathway activated by radiation that makes blood vessels resistant to therapy. Inhibiting this pathway enhances radiation-induced cell death and cytotoxicity in endothelial cells. The approach aims to destroy existing blood vessels, helping to defeat the tumor.

$1.2 million grant backs study of environmental stress, cancer origins

Researchers at Emory University's Winship Cancer Institute are studying cellular responses to environmental stress to better understand how it contributes to cancer development. The team aims to characterize networks of systems that operate during exposure to DNA-damaging events, with a focus on DNA repair and damage tolerance pathways.

U-M scientists to develop nanosensors for astronauts

Researchers will use tiny devices called nanosensors that can detect early signs of radiation-induced cell damage. The sensors, which pass easily through blood membranes, aim to avoid problems with current implantable sensors and eliminate blood sampling.

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.

Breast cancer mortality may be tied to prolonged exposure to low dose radiation

A study of female radiologic technologists found that prolonged exposure to low dose radiation is associated with a higher risk of breast cancer mortality. Women who started working as radiologic technologists before 1940 were nearly three times more likely to die from breast cancer than those who began working in 1960 or later.

New frontiers for dinosaur science

Dinosaur expert Paul C. Sereno has made groundbreaking discoveries in Africa, including the giant predator Carcharodontosaurus and the spinosaur Suchomimus. His research is transforming our understanding of dinosaur evolution, shedding light on their diversity and abundance during the Cretaceous period.

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.

Unwanted side effect found with certain combination cancer treatment

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that a certain chemotherapy drug combination can increase the risk of lung inflammation in breast cancer patients. The study suggests doctors use extra caution when administering radiation therapy with paclitaxel, as it may lead to radiation pneumonitis in up to 14.6% of patients.

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.

Space research briefs - August

Researchers examine how personality, culture, and group dynamics influence behavior and health outcomes in isolated environments. They also investigate the risks of space radiation exposure on astronauts' bodies, aiming to identify traits that maximize crew functioning and reduce individual and group problems.

Jet Stream Studied In West African Drought

Researchers at Penn State found a correlation between jet stream strength and precipitation in the Sahel region, which has been experiencing drought since the 1970s. The Tropical Easterly Jet was mostly weaker during dry periods, while the African Easterly Jet showed slightly stronger patterns in very dry years.