Tune in to the bands this Friday.

Already we've hit the $1000 genome and faster and cheaper DNA sequencing is on the way. DNA sequencing is going through a speed-up and cost-cutting rate that is similar to that which computer processors have been going through for decades. While the doubling rate of computer power has slowed quite a bit the rate of decrease in DNA sequencing costs has kept up the pace and, in fact, the rate of decline in DNA sequencing costs suddenly accelerated at the end of 2007 has been going down pretty sharply ever since. The cost decline seemed to halt during 2014 only to plunge in 2015. So why should you care? Really cheap massive amounts of DNA sequencing of cancerous cells will...

A team of Princeton chemists has identified a way to tag a protein's nearest molecular neighbors, enabling the precise mapping of their micro-environment. This could open new avenues to cancer treatment and other drug therapies.

Emily Mann speaks on “She Roars” about 30 years at McCarter Theatre, being named to the American Theater Hall of Fame, and the latest staging of her play “Gloria: A Life.”

Rishi Reddi's "Passage West" plumbs an important story of Indian immigrant farmers, but isn't quite up to the task as fiction

In Brentwood, a newly built contemporary-style home dazzles with an array of custom light features. Asking price: $12.899 million.

The Republican congressman chastised entertainment culture for being "divisive."

The credibility of statistics apparently depends on whether they’re beneficial.

The LockPickingLawyer easily opens this Yale Y500 Combination Key Access padlock with just a sliver of aluminum from a soda can.

Read the rest

Objective: To assess the feasibility and accuracy of Cerenkov Luminescence Imaging (CLI) for assessment of surgical margins intraoperatively during radical prostatectomy (RPE). Methods: A single centre feasibility study included 10 patients with high-risk primary prostate cancer (PC). ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA PET/CT scans were performed followed by RPE and intraoperative CLI of the excised prostate. In addition to imaging the intact prostate, in the first two patients the prostate gland was incised and imaged with CLI to visualise the primary tumour. We compared the tumour margin status on CLI to postoperative histopathology. Measured CLI intensities were determined as tumour to background ratio (TBR). Results: Tumour cells were successfully detected on the incised prostate CLI images as confirmed by histopathology. 3 of 10 men had histopathological positive surgical margins (PSMs), and 2 of 3 PSMs were accurately detected on CLI. Overall, 25 (72%) out of 35 regions of interest (ROIs) proved to visualize a tumour signal according to standard histopathology. The median tumour radiance in these areas was 11301 photons/s/cm²/sr (range 3328 - 25428 photons/s/cm²/sr) and median TBR was 4.2 (range 2.1 – 11.6). False positive signals were seen mainly at the prostate base with PC cells overlaid by benign tissue. PSMA-immunohistochemistry (PSMA-IHC) revealed strong PSMA staining of benign gland tissue, which impacts measured activities. Conclusion: This feasibility showed that ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA CLI is a new intraoperative imaging technique capable of imaging the entire specimen’s surface to detect PC tissue at the resection margin. Further optimisation of the CLI protocol, or the use of lower-energetic imaging tracers such as ¹⁸F-PSMA, are required to reduce false positives. A larger study will be performed to assess diagnostic performance.

A Nebraska senator introduced a bill that would give teachers legal cover to physically restraint disruptive students, prompting a strong positive response from members of the state teachers' union.

We focus on the challenge of finding a diverse collection of quality solutions on complex continuous domains. While quality diver-sity (QD) algorithms like Novelty Search with Local Competition (NSLC) and MAP-Elites are designed to generate a diverse range of solutions, these algorithms require a large number of evaluations for exploration of continuous spaces. Meanwhile, variants of the Covariance Matrix Adaptation Evolution Strategy (CMA-ES) are among the best-performing derivative-free optimizers in single-objective continuous domains. This paper proposes a new QD algorithm called Covariance Matrix Adaptation MAP-Elites (CMA-ME). Our new algorithm combines the self-adaptation techniques of CMA-ES with archiving and mapping techniques for maintaining diversity in QD. Results from experiments based on standard continuous optimization benchmarks show that CMA-ME finds better-quality solutions than MAP-Elites; similarly, results on the strategic game Hearthstone show that CMA-ME finds both a higher overall quality and broader diversity of strategies than both CMA-ES and MAP-Elites. Overall, CMA-ME more than doubles the performance of MAP-Elites using standard QD performance metrics. These results suggest that QD algorithms augmented by operators from state-of-the-art optimization algorithms can yield high-performing methods for simultaneously exploring and optimizing continuous search spaces, with significant applications to design, testing, and reinforcement learning among other domains.

A rare bloom of microscopic organisms capable of making their own blue light has transformed several of the state’s beaches

Aluminum is ubiquitous and exposure is unavoidable. Adverse health effects have been associated with large exposures in workers or those with chronic kidney disease. There are no established age-specific reference ranges or toxicity data for populations of healthy children.

We demonstrate the wide variability of aluminum reference ranges in biological samples and that the ranges are not based on studies including healthy children. Further research is necessary to establish clinically relevant reference ranges for healthy children. (Read the full article)

Treatment of dogs naturally infected with Leishmania infantum using meglumine antimoniate (MA) encapsulated in conventional liposomes (LC) in association with allopurinol has been previously reported to promote marked reduction in the parasite burden in the main infection sites. Here, a new assay in naturally infected dogs was performed using a novel liposome formulation of MA consisting of a mixture of conventional and long-circulating (PEGylated) liposomes (LCP), with expected broader distribution among affected tissues of the mononuclear phagocyte system. Experimental groups of naturally infected dogs were as follows: LCP+Allop, receiving LCP intravenously as 2 cycles of 6 doses (6.5 mg Sb/kg/dose) at 4-day intervals, plus allopurinol at 30 mg/kg/12 h p.o. during 130 days; LC+Allop, receiving LC intravenously as 2 cycles of 6 doses (6.5 mg Sb/kg/dose), plus allopurinol during 130 days; Allop, treated with allopurinol only; non-treated control. Parasite loads were evaluated by quantitative PCR in liver, spleen and bone marrow and by immunohistochemistry in the ear skin, before, just after treatment and 4 months later. LCP+Allop and LC+Allop groups, but not the Allop group, showed significant suppression of the parasites in the liver, spleen and bone marrow 4 months after treatment, compared to the pre-treatment period or the control group. Only LCP+Allop group showed significantly lower parasite burden in the skin, in comparison to the control group. On the basis of clinical staging and parasitological evaluations, LCP formulation exhibited a more favorable therapeutic profile, when compared to LC one, being therefore promising for treatment of canine visceral leishmaniasis.

A new film squares up to the tough task of reinventing Marie Curie, one of science's biggest stars, by building a big picture of her work – and its future fallout

ABSTRACT

Microbes affect vertebrates on timescales from daily to evolutionary, and the cumulative effect of these interactions is immense. However, how microbiomes compare across (host) species is poorly understood, as most studies focus on relatively few species. A recent mBio article by S. J. Song, J. G. Sanders, F. Delsuc, J. Metcalf, et al. (mBio 11:e02901-19, 2019, https://doi.org/10.1128/mBio.02901-19) expands our collective understanding of the vertebrate microbiome by analyzing ~900 species. They demonstrate that patterns within mammals contrast with those within birds. Their results suggest many hypotheses about the role of host ecology and evolution on microbiome variation. Bats, the only volant mammals, appear to contradict many of the general mammal microbiome trends, in some ways resembling birds. What role has powered flight, and the evolution thereof, played in microbiome structure and function? Comparative methods, mechanistic hypotheses, and theory will elucidate this exciting question (and others) that we can ask using Song, Sanders et al.’s data and results.

Biofilm formation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa contributes to its survival on surfaces and represents a major clinical threat because of the increased tolerance of biofilms to disinfecting agents. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of 405-nm light-emitting diode (LED) illumination in eliminating P. aeruginosa biofilms formed on stainless steel coupons under different temperatures. Time-dependent killing assays using planktonic and biofilm cells were used to determine the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of LED illumination. We also evaluated the effects of LED illumination on the disinfectant susceptibility, biofilm structure, extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) structure and composition, and biofilm-related gene expression of P. aeruginosa biofilm cells. Results showed that the abundance of planktonic P. aeruginosa cells was reduced by 0.88, 0.53, and 0.85 log CFU/ml following LED treatment for 2 h compared with untreated controls at 4, 10, and 25°C, respectively. For cells in biofilms, significant reductions (1.73, 1.59, and 1.68 log CFU/cm²) were observed following LED illumination for 2 h at 4, 10, and 25°C, respectively. Moreover, illuminated P. aeruginosa biofilm cells were more sensitive to benzalkonium chloride or chlorhexidine than untreated cells. Scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopic observation indicated that both the biofilm structure and EPS structure were disrupted by LED illumination. Further, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR revealed that LED illumination downregulated the transcription of several genes associated with biofilm formation. These findings suggest that LED illumination has the potential to be developed as an alternative method for prevention and control of P. aeruginosa biofilm contamination.

IMPORTANCE Pseudomonas aeruginosa can form biofilms on medical implants, industrial equipment, and domestic surfaces, contributing to high morbidity and mortality rates. This study examined the antibiofilm activity of 405-nm light-emitting diode (LED) illumination against mature biofilms formed on stainless steel coupons. We found that the disinfectant susceptibility, biofilm structure, and extracellular polymeric substance structure and composition were disrupted by LED illumination. We then investigated the transcription of several critical P. aeruginosa biofilm-related genes and analyzed the effect of illumination temperature on the above characteristics. Our results confirmed that LED illumination could be developed into an effective and safe method to counter P. aeruginosa biofilm contamination. Further research will be focused on the efficacy and application of LED illumination for elimination of complicated biofilms in the environment.

Purpose:

Thymidine kinase 1 (TK1) is downstream to the CDK4/6 pathway, and TK activity (TKa) measured in blood is a dynamic marker of outcome in patients with advanced breast cancer (ABC). This study explores TK1 as a biomarker of palbociclib response, both in vitro and in patients with ABC.

In winter, the veins of leaves don’t get completely covered in frost. Mimicking this effect could be the best way to create ice-resistant surfaces

It’s quite the spectacle, but the light show is leading people to be less than cautious about social distancing.

Faked 'entanglement' result challenges cryptographic technique.

Crowds are coming to see the light show as beaches begin to reopen after an almost month-long closure due to coronavirus

Mother nature has provided a radical gift to nighttime beach-goers in southern California, in the form of bioluminescent waves that crash and froth with an otherworldly light.

Related: California surf shimmers with bioluminescence – in pictures

Follow our live coronavirus updates HERE Coronavirus: The symptoms

Scientists have created glowing flowers after editing the DNA of a plant.

Folk rock band The Lumineers returned to Canada last week on the first leg of their 2020 World Tour, beginning with two sold out nights at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena before making their way to Montreal’s Bell Centre and Ottawa’s Canadian Tire Centre. Prior to their set in Toronto, the Denver-based New Jersey natives were surprised […]

The post The Lumineers presented with Gold plaques in Toronto appeared first on Music Canada.

Waves glow turquoise in a glorious nocturnal display from an algae bloom off America’s west coast

• Waves dazzle surfers: ‘Never seen anything like it’

Aleris International Inc., one of the nation’s largest aluminum recyclers, and 13 of its subsidiaries have committed to implementing environmental improvements and controls projected to cost $4.2 million at 15 plants located in 11 states.

The proposed consent decree resolves claims of the United States and the commonwealth under the Clean Air Act and related provisions of the laws of the commonwealth.

Alcoa World Alumina LLC, a majority-owned and controlled global alumina sales company of Alcoa Inc., has agreed to plead guilty later today and pay $223 million in criminal fines and forfeiture to resolve charges that it paid millions of dollars in bribes through an international middleman in London.

Studies in patient samples and cell culture suggest let-7c, miR-99a and miR-125b could serve as prognostic markers in patients with estrogen receptor–positive luminal breast cancers.

Mar 19, 2020

This paper examines a recent, rapid, and ongoing transition of India's lighting market to light emitting diode (LED) technology, from a negligible market share to LEDs becoming the dominant lighting products within five years, despite the country's otherwise limited visibility in the global solid-state lighting industry.

Mar 19, 2020

This paper examines a recent, rapid, and ongoing transition of India's lighting market to light emitting diode (LED) technology, from a negligible market share to LEDs becoming the dominant lighting products within five years, despite the country's otherwise limited visibility in the global solid-state lighting industry.

Mar 19, 2020

This paper examines a recent, rapid, and ongoing transition of India's lighting market to light emitting diode (LED) technology, from a negligible market share to LEDs becoming the dominant lighting products within five years, despite the country's otherwise limited visibility in the global solid-state lighting industry.

Mar 19, 2020

This paper examines a recent, rapid, and ongoing transition of India's lighting market to light emitting diode (LED) technology, from a negligible market share to LEDs becoming the dominant lighting products within five years, despite the country's otherwise limited visibility in the global solid-state lighting industry.

Mar 19, 2020

This paper examines a recent, rapid, and ongoing transition of India's lighting market to light emitting diode (LED) technology, from a negligible market share to LEDs becoming the dominant lighting products within five years, despite the country's otherwise limited visibility in the global solid-state lighting industry.

Mar 19, 2020

This paper examines a recent, rapid, and ongoing transition of India's lighting market to light emitting diode (LED) technology, from a negligible market share to LEDs becoming the dominant lighting products within five years, despite the country's otherwise limited visibility in the global solid-state lighting industry.

Mar 19, 2020

This paper examines a recent, rapid, and ongoing transition of India's lighting market to light emitting diode (LED) technology, from a negligible market share to LEDs becoming the dominant lighting products within five years, despite the country's otherwise limited visibility in the global solid-state lighting industry.

Mar 19, 2020

This paper examines a recent, rapid, and ongoing transition of India's lighting market to light emitting diode (LED) technology, from a negligible market share to LEDs becoming the dominant lighting products within five years, despite the country's otherwise limited visibility in the global solid-state lighting industry.

Mar 19, 2020

This paper examines a recent, rapid, and ongoing transition of India's lighting market to light emitting diode (LED) technology, from a negligible market share to LEDs becoming the dominant lighting products within five years, despite the country's otherwise limited visibility in the global solid-state lighting industry.

Mar 19, 2020

This paper examines a recent, rapid, and ongoing transition of India's lighting market to light emitting diode (LED) technology, from a negligible market share to LEDs becoming the dominant lighting products within five years, despite the country's otherwise limited visibility in the global solid-state lighting industry.