Using advanced new microscopy techniques in concert with sophisticated transgenic technologies, scientists at The Wistar Institute have for the first time created three-dimensional, time-lapse movies showing immune cells targeting cancer cells in live tumor tissues. In recorded experiments, immune cells called T cells can be seen actively migrating though tissues, making direct contact with tumor cells, and killing them.
Scientists using NASA’s Swift satellite stumbled upon a rare sight: Two supernovas side-by-side in one galaxy. Large galaxies typically play host to three supernovas per century. Galaxy NGC 1316 has had two supernovas in less than five months, and a total of four supernova in 26 years, as far back as the records go. This makes NGC 1316 the most prodigious known producer of supernovas.
New data offers freshest list of states ranked in top 10 for seismic activity; Alaska and California unquestioned 1-2; Nevada and Hawaii very close at number 3.
The largest superconducting magnet ever built has successfully been powered up to its operating conditions at the first attempt. Called the Barrel Toroid because of its shape, this magnet is a vital part of ATLAS, one of the major particle detectors being prepared to take data at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the new particle accelerator scheduled to turn on in November 2007.
Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health’s Malaria Research Institute have developed a new test for detecting the malaria parasite in human urine and saliva. Although not a diagnostic test for determining treatment, the method could potentially reduce the need for blood sampling in epidemiological studies where large-scale malaria screening is required.
For people unable to simultaneously rub their stomach while patting their head, a new twist may be at hand. Touch, rather than concentration, could let people multi-task with their hands, and this may also potentially help improve the performance of people with coordination problems, according to psychologists.
A century ago this month, German psychiatrist Alois Alzheimer formally described characteristics of the neurodegenerative disease which ultimately came to bear his name. While international efforts to learn about Alzheimer’s disease and develop treatments have progressed significantly in recent years, a cure remains an elusive goal.
New research at Wake Forest University School of Medicine suggests that certain inhaled asthma medications ? as well as similar chemicals our bodies produce during times of high stress ? may worsen diseases such as asthma, heart failure and lupus that involve inflammation.
The news that the world’s first targeted therapy, trastuzumab (Herceptin), is now available for many women with early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer “highlights a truly significant advance in the management of breast cancer,” says Edith Perez, M.D., director of Mayo Clinic’s Breast Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla.
After rigorous scientific review, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today approved the marketing of silicone gel-filled breast implants made by two companies for breast reconstruction in women of all ages and breast augmentation in women ages 22 and older. The products are manufactured by Allergan Corp. (formerly Inamed Corp.), Irvine, Calif., and Mentor Corp., Santa Barbara, Calif.