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New technique holds promise to screen cancer cells for drug susceptibility

Doctors have many drugs available to treat multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. However, there is no way to predict, by genetic markers or other means, how a patient will respond to a particular drug. This can lead to months of treatment with a drug that isn't working.

20 Nov 2017

New eDNA tool helps identify invasive clams before they become a problem

When seeking a cure for a disease, early detection is often the key. The same is true for eliminating invasive species. Identifying their presence in a lake before they are abundant is vital. A recent University of Illinois study successfully used environmental DNA to detect invasive clams in California and Nevada lakes. Researchers believe this tool can help identify pests before they become a problem.

17 Nov 2017

Applying AFM to study the viscoelastic properties of cells

An interview with Prof. Manfred Radmacher, Universität Bremen conducted by April Cashin-Garbutt, MA (Cantab).

From Bruker Nano Surfaces and Metrology 16 Nov 2017

Genetic diversity of tumor tissues can be barrier to precision medicine in gastric and esophageal cancers

A new study focused on describing genetic variations within a primary tumor, differences between the primary and a metastatic branch of that tumor, and additional diversity found in tumor DNA in the blood stream could help physicians make better treatment choices for patients with gastric and esophageal adenocarcinoma.

15 Nov 2017

EKF’s PCT LiquiColor assay receives FDA clearance and validation for use on Beckman AU analyzers

EKF, announces that its Stanbio Chemistry Procalcitonin LiquiColor assay has been FDA cleared with Beckman AU 480, 680 and 5800 clinical chemistry analyzers.

From EKF Diagnostics 15 Nov 2017

Research shows how food poisoning bacteria can multiply and spread inside micro-organisms

New research by a team from London's Kingston University has shown how the food poisoning bacteria Campylobacter can multiply and spread inside micro-organisms called amoebae- which could lead to a better understanding of how bacteria survive and help efforts to prevent the spread of infection.

14 Nov 2017

Research casts light on how chromosomes 'cheat' for chance to get into a sex cell

Each of your cells contains two copies of 23 chromosomes, one inherited from your father and one from your mother. Theoretically, when you create a gamete -- a sperm or an egg -- each copy has a 50-50 shot at being passed on. But the reality isn't so clearcut.

3 Nov 2017

SU2C and its collaborators announce four teams to intercept cancer at earliest stages

Stand Up To Cancer, joined by the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, LUNGevity, and the American Lung Association, announced today four teams of top researchers who will carry out an attack on cancers of the lung and pancreas using a radical new approach of “interception” of cancers at very early stages, when they can be more successfully treated.

31 Oct 2017

Study reveals why Alzheimer's drugs fail in clinical trials

A tremendous amount of Amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) (a peptide of ～40 amino acids) accumulates in the brain of Alzheimer's disease patients. γ-Secretase inhibitors were designed to inhibit the enzymatic activity that produces Aβ. By reducing Aβ production, γ-secretase inhibitors were considered able to treat Alzheimer's disease (Aβ hypothesis).

25 Oct 2017

Researchers map molecular events that direct cells' energy metabolism down the cancerous path

As cells with a propensity for cancer break down food for energy, they reach a fork in the road: They can either continue energy production as healthy cells, or shift to the energy production profile of cancer cells.

24 Oct 2017

Queen's University Belfast leads new research to better understand biology of prostate cancer

Queen's University Belfast has led the world's largest research study using a diagnostic test developed by Almac Diagnostics, to better understand the biology of prostate cancer tumors, which could lead to a transformation in how prostate cancer is diagnosed and treated.

23 Oct 2017

Novel gene expression signature assay could help enhance lymphoma management

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive cancer and the most frequently diagnosed non-Hodgkin lymphoma worldwide (nearly 40% of cases). Recent advancements indicate that both the prognosis and choice of treatment of DLBCL may depend on identifying its molecular subtype.

17 Oct 2017

Scientists develop revolutionary blood screening test to diagnose breast cancer

In a potential major breakthrough in breast cancer research, scientists at the Center for Translational Cancer Research at the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute of Christiana Care Health System have developed a revolutionary new blood test to diagnose breast cancer.

16 Oct 2017

IGeneX launches three new tests to aid diagnosis of Borreliosis

IGeneX Inc., a CLIA and New York-approved Reference Laboratory, specializing in testing for tick-borne diseases, is pleased to announce the launch of three new tests that are more inclusive and specific for aiding in diagnosis of Borreliosis (Lyme Disease and Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever, Borreliosis).

16 Oct 2017

Investigating new cancer therapy candidates with live-cell imaging

There are two main things that we've worked on in the lab as regards to drug studies. One is identifying new combinations of drugs, and working on why a combination of drugs should work better than each alone.

From Sartorius 16 Oct 2017

EKF Diagnostics and Ortho Clinical Diagnostics collaborate on a new diabetic ketoacidosis assay

Ortho Clinical Diagnostics and EKF announce an agreement that allows Ortho customers to access to Beta-Hydroxybutyrate assay.

From EKF Diagnostics 12 Oct 2017

UCLA scientists discover potential combination treatment for brain cancer in adults

UCLA scientists have discovered a potential combination treatment for glioblastoma, the deadliest form of brain cancer in adults. The three-year study led by Dr. David Nathanson, a member of UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, found that the drug combination tested in mice disrupts and exploits glucose intake, essentially cutting off the tumor's nutrients and energy supply.

9 Oct 2017

Increased fFN testing could help provide better care for women with symptoms of preterm labor

A new study found that women with symptoms of preterm labor who were discharged from the hospital without a fetal fibronectin (fFN) test were more likely to deliver their baby prematurely within three days compared to women who were discharged with an fFN test, Hologic, Inc. announced today.

6 Oct 2017

Liquid biopsy can reveal response to checkpoint inhibitor-based immunotherapies

In a first-of-its-kind study, University of California San Diego School of Medicine researchers report that a blood sample, or liquid biopsy, can reveal which patients will respond to checkpoint inhibitor-based immunotherapies.

3 Oct 2017

Alterations in circulating tumor DNA associated with response to checkpoint inhibitors

The number of alterations detected in the DNA collected from blood samples (liquid biopsies) of cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors was associated with response to the treatment.