DAILY DOSE: CAR-T future cast in doubt; Elon Musk to advertisers – "F*** off."

scientificinquirer

Nov 30

CAR-T TECHNOLOGY IN SERIOUS DOUBT.

The FDA's investigation into the risk of secondary cancers following CAR-T therapy caused a notable downturn in the stock values of related biotech companies. Autolus Therapeutics, Nkarta, and Arcellx experienced significant fluctuations, while established firms like Legend Biotech, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Gilead also saw temporary share declines. This review, triggered by reports of T-cell malignancies in patients treated with BCMA- or CD19-directed CAR-T immunotherapies, has raised concerns about the long-term safety of these treatments. Although the FDA maintains that the benefits of these therapies outweigh the risks, the market's reaction was stark, particularly affecting companies exploring CAR-T applications in autoimmune diseases. Analysts at William Blair highlighted this impact, suggesting that the cancer risk might shift the benefit/risk ratio, especially in autoimmune treatments. However, they believe the reaction may be exaggerated for oncology-focused CAR-T companies and see lesser impact on firms using nonviral or allogeneic approaches. (Fierce Biotech)

CAR-T DEEP DIVE.

The FDA is investigating reports of blood cancers potentially caused by CAR-T therapy, a significant development in cancer treatment that modifies a patient's own T cells to attack cancer. This concern is new, as such risks were not previously recognized. The FDA hasn't restricted CAR-T therapy but acknowledges its investigation into these reports, which include 19 cases since the first CAR-T approval in 2017. CAR-T therapies, used in over 30,000 patients, involve reengineering T cells with disabled viruses to target cancer cells. However, these viruses might unintentionally activate cancer genes. The CAR-T community is surprised, as T cell cancers were rarely linked to this therapy. The FDA's lack of detailed information makes assessing the risk challenging. Factors like different viral vectors used in therapies and the patients' prior treatments could influence these cancer risks. Researchers are awaiting more information from the FDA, which continues to view the benefits of CAR-T therapy as outweighing its risks. They are also investigating other potential causes for the higher cancer risk, such as prior chemotherapy or genetic predispositions in patients. (Science)

If you're enjoying the Daily Dose, sign up for the Daily Dose Newsletter and get the morning's best science news from around the web delivered straight to your inbox? It's easy like Sunday morning.

LARGEST BIOBANK.

The UK Biobank, started in the early 2000s in Stockport, has become a vital health research tool, containing detailed data from half a million volunteers. Utilized by over 30,000 researchers globally, it has facilitated over 6,000 academic studies. This extensive database includes genetic, health, and lifestyle information, collected through blood, urine, saliva samples, and various physical measurements, along with exhaustive lifestyle questionnaires. Notably, the Biobank's use of technologies like smartwatches and multi-organ imaging has led to significant discoveries, such as early detection of Parkinson's disease. Its genetic data is crucial for identifying disease-linked genetic variants and aiding new medical treatments. This has already yielded results, including the identification of a gene that guards against obesity and diabetes. The UK Biobank's comprehensive data is shaping personalized healthcare, helping in early screening and effective disease prevention. Headquartered in Stockport, it plans to move to a new facility in Manchester, continuing its significant contributions to health research. (The Guardian)

ELON TO ADVERTISERS: "F*** OFF)

Elon Musk, speaking at the New York Times' DealBook Summit, reacted bluntly to advertisers like Disney, Apple, and IBM withdrawing from the platform formerly known as Twitter, following his endorsement of an antisemitic post. Musk's explicit response to these companies was to "Go fuck yourself," highlighting his disregard for potential financial repercussions. This exodus of advertisers, triggered by Musk's controversial comment supporting a post promoting the "great replacement" conspiracy theory, has put the platform's financial stability at risk. Despite its valuation of $19 billion, less than half of Musk's purchase price, the loss of major advertisers, who are influential in the advertising world, poses a significant threat. Media Matters for America's report showing big-brand ads alongside pro-Nazi posts exacerbated the situation, leading to more companies pulling their ads. Musk's aggressive stance, especially in the presence of the platform's appointed ad executive, further complicates efforts to stabilize its ad business. Musk, known for embracing controversy, remains defiant in the face of these challenges. (Wired)

For the ornithologically inclined or the nerd who loves owlish humor, this T-shirt knows whoooo makes science fun! The comfy premium tee is ideal for hitting the books or the lab, going on nature walks to birdwatch, or just making your fellow owl and science fans smile. Hoot hoot - time to fly to the top of the class armed with curiosity and wordplay!

STARLINK HERE WE COME.

The A-Lab, an autonomous system combining robotics and AI, has made groundbreaking advances in material science, creating new materials for potential use in batteries and solar cells. It autonomously develops recipes, synthesizes, and analyzes materials. Another AI, GNoME, predicted hundreds of thousands of stable materials, supplying A-Lab with a vast array of future possibilities. This progress promises to expedite the discovery of materials for clean energy and other applications. GNoME, after training on existing databases, identified 381,000 potential new inorganic compounds, using innovative strategies like partial ion substitution. A-Lab autonomously synthesizes these compounds, planning experiments and interpreting data without human help. In 17 days, it produced 41 new materials, with nine requiring improved synthesis methods. Although some materials needed human intervention, the knowledge generated by A-Lab is a significant contribution to global scientific research, offering a new map of solid reactivity that could revolutionize various industries. (Nature)

STUCK IN TIME.

Astronomers have discovered a unique planetary system around HD 110067, a nearby star, with six planets larger than Earth but smaller than Neptune, a size range not present in our Solar System. These planets, all orbiting in a rhythmic harmony, suggest the system has been undisturbed since its formation. The system's regularity and the star's brightness and proximity make it an ideal research subject for the formation of sub-Neptunes. The discovery, which involved NASA's TESS and the European Space Agency's CHEOPS, required extensive data analysis and theoretical work. The team used orbital theory and resonances between planets to identify the six planets, later confirmed by reprocessed TESS data. Ground-based telescopes measured the planets' masses, classifying them as sub-Neptunes with dense atmospheres and rocky cores, possibly with planet-covering oceans. This system is rare, as only 1% of planetary systems exhibit such resonances, and it's the first known chain of six resonant planets. Its stability over billions of years offers a unique window into the early conditions and evolution of planetary systems, serving as a 'fossil' for studying planetary formation. (Science)

SECOUPLING SCIENCE.

Research collaborations between China and Western countries, including the United States, are decreasing, a trend confirmed by a Japanese Ministry report and Nature Index data. This decline, the first since 1993, is partly due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, geopolitical tensions, and shifting publication trends in China. China is redirecting its focus to strengthening scientific ties with low- and middle-income countries under its Belt and Road Initiative, creating parallel scientific systems with the West. This divergence could slow progress on global challenges like climate change, as outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In China, researchers are now incentivized to publish domestically rather than internationally, contributing to this shift. However, there are signs of potential rekindling in scientific dialogue between China and the West, including recent high-level meetings and efforts to improve China-Europe ties. Maintaining global scientific collaboration is crucial for addressing worldwide issues. Both China and the United States need to work together on shared initiatives like the SDGs to effectively tackle these challenges. (Nature)

ENDING THE ARGUMENT.

The "green versus blue bubble" issue in smartphone messaging, symbolizing a divide between iPhone and Android users, has evolved beyond a technical problem into a social issue. iPhone messages appear blue with special features, but turn green without these perks when sent to Androids, often with reduced media quality. This distinction has led to judgments and even exclusion based on phone type, reflecting perceived status and wealth. Apple plans to improve iPhone-Android messaging, maintaining green bubbles but enhancing image and video quality. However, this doesn't resolve the underlying cultural issue, as iPhone users often discriminate against Android users, leading to social exclusion and cyberbullying. Alternatives like WhatsApp and Signal offer consistent features across devices. Overcoming this issue requires moving beyond default apps and addressing the elitism associated with phone types. This situation calls for a conscious effort in relationships regardless of technology, highlighting a need for a shift in perspective and behavior in how we interact with technology and each other. (New York Times)

Thanks for reading. Let's be careful out there.

WORDS: The Biology Guy.

IMAGE CREDIT: Petabay.