Laura Elizabeth Lansdowne

Science Writer

Writes for:

7 Days in Cancer Research – 14 November 2018

The latest cancer research news highlights from the past 7 days.

Obesity and Cancer: ‘Fat-clogged’ Immune Cells Fail to Fight Tumors

Researchers have gained a new understanding of the link between obesity and cancer. In the presence of excess fat, the immune surveillance system fails due to an obesity-fueled lipid accumulation in natural killer (NK) cells, preventing their cellular metabolism and trafficking.

A Way to Fix Bone Fractures Faster?

Purdue University scientists have designed a novel targeted therapeutic agent, known as dasatinib-aspartate10 conjugate or DAC, that promotes the growth of new bones.

Developing Therapies to Fight Cancer and Autoimmune Diseases

We recently spoke to Alexis Peyroles, CEO at OSE Immunotherapeutics to hear more about the findings of their recent study, describing, for the first time ever, the in vivo MOA of interleukin 7 receptor alpha (IL-7Rα) monoclonal antibodies, suggesting therapeutic efficacy in controlling chronic inflammation.

Could Gut Stem Cells Hold the Key to Preventing Bowel Cancer?

New research presented at the 2018 NCRI Cancer Conference proposes that by treating pre-cancerous stem cells with existing cancer therapeutics at an early stage, it may be possible to prevent bowel cancer – in those with a high risk of the disease.

Developing FTICR Mass Spectrometry Instruments with Unique Capabilities

Here Prof. Peter B. O'Connor, University of Warwick, touches on the adaptability of mass spectrometry, enabling researchers to study cancer, neurological disease, petroleum, and biopharmaceuticals.

4 Spooky Sounding Halloween-inspired Scientific Terms

Researchers spend their lives in pursuit of a scientific breakthrough. So, when that "eureka" moment finally arrives, of course it is tempting to give that groundbreaking discovery an absurd and memorable name. This list highlights four haunting Halloween-inspired scientific terms.

The Liquid Biopsy Trends Transforming Cancer Detection and Treatment

Liquid biopsy is a less invasive approach compared to traditional surgical biopsies. By collecting a simple blood sample and analyzing circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), cancer researchers and healthcare professionals can access a myriad of information about a patient’s tumor.

How Machine Learning Can Power Drug Discovery

A recent assessment of the success of the drug development process put the percentage of phase I programs that make it to approval at 13.8%. That figure points to a crisis of attrition within the industry. Netramark, a Toronto-based start-up claim they have a machine learning-powered solution to that crisis

Timeline Predicted for Cervical Cancer Elimination in Australia

Australia could become the first country in the world to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem, according to a comprehensive analysis of HPV vaccination, natural history and cervical screening.