Two-in-one nanoparticles exploit tumor cells to precisely deliver multiple drugs

A nanoparticle delivery mechanism (left) treats tumors in mice more effectively
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A common strategy for treating tumors is combining two or more drugs, which has the effect of decreasing toxicity and increasing the synergistic effects between the drugs. However, the efficacy of this kind of cocktail treatment suffers when the drugs require access to different parts of the cell, a bit like fighting a battle by depositing all your archers on the same spot as your infantrymen. By making use of nanoparticle-based carriers, researchers at North Carolina State University are able to transport multiple drugs into cancerous cells optimally and precisely, in maneuvers that any field commander would be proud of.
Their research has focused on multiple scenarios of drugs, including those targeted for gene therapy or chemotherapy, but all rely on the same nanoscale drug delivery mechanism or “nanodepot." In it, an outer gel shell surrounds a liposomal core, each layer bearing a different drug. The shell and core are collectively known as “Gelipo."
In their tests, Gelipo’s outer layer was laced both with a cancer drug, TRAIL, that requires delivery to the outer membrane of the cancerous cell, and with an additional chemical, HA. Hidden inside is yet another drug, Dox, targeted for the cell’s nucleus and attached to peptides. Hold onto those terms, because HA and the peptides are about to manipulate the cell’s natural mechanisms against itself.

A diagram of the process of Gelipo's targeted delivery of two different drugs to the cell membrane and nucleus

As Gelipo approaches the cell, anti-HA enzymes naturally present in the cell’s exterior latch onto the HA and begin to break down the gel layer, releasing the first drug. This drug is then free to bind to receptors in the tumor cell’s membrane, triggering programmed cell death.
But Gelipo’s progress doesn’t stop there. As its outer layer is breaking down, the tumor cell encapsulates Gelipo’s contents into what would be a defensive sphere (see the diagram below), unwittingly transporting the second drug into the cell, Trojan-horse-style. However, the peptides attached to the second drug allow passage through this defensive membrane, where the second drug is free to bind with its target.
Though this exploitation of biochemical and cellular pathways, the Gelipo-TRAIL-Dox combo accumulated more than the controls in the affected tumor tissue and had a greater cytotoxicity. The synergistic effects of using two drugs was controlled by comparing Gelipo with just one drug, Dox. Below are mice with tumors treated with saline, just Dox, Gelipo and Dox, and finally, Gelipo with both drugs.

Tumor size in mice, left to right, with treatment with saline, just Dox, Gelipo-Dox, and Gelipo-TRAIL-Dox

The team describes this experiment as proof-of-concept and has further refinements to make on the technique, but expects that the process can be scaled up for manufacturing. A paper on the research was recently published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials.
Source: NCSU

Sony puts 4K Ultra Short Throw projector up against the wall

Sony's 4K UST projector sits on the floor alongside any wall with enough space to accommodate its considerable projection size
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After first bringing 4K resolution to lounge room walls in 2012 with its VPL-VW1000ES projector, Sony is making another run at the Ultra HD home theater market, though this time over a much shorter distance. At CES, the company is demoing a prototype of its 4K Ultra Short Throw Projector that has the ability to cast images up to 147-inches in size from a distance of around 20 in (50 cm).

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Designed to look like a piece of furniture, the unit measures 43.3 x 10.4 x 21.1 in (110 x 26.5 x 53.5 cm) and sits on the floor alongside any wall with enough space to accommodate its considerable projection size. A 1.6x power zoom allows for the UHD image to be adjusted to anywhere between 66 and 147 inches in size. Sony says the device boasts 3D capability and will support current video content from internet, satellite and cable providers, along with services such as Netflix and Sony's own Video Unlimited 4K.
Like the VPL-VW1000ES, the device uses an SXRD panel and boasts 4096 x 2160 pixels with 2,000 lumens of brightness, but does so with the inherent convenience that an Ultra Short Throw (UST) projector offers.
In addition to minimizing shadows and removing the need for complex installation or mounting, Sony's UST home projector includes four HDMI ports and two speaker terminals, with separate speaker units able to sit nicely alongside the projector by modeling the same sleek design.
Light is sourced from a laser diode, which the company says will see the display reach and maintain superior peak brightness and color accuracy compared to typical lamp-driven projectors.
At last year's CES we saw the unveiling of the LG UST Laser TV projector, which similarly looked to remove the issues posed by traditional home theater systems. However, LG's version is only capable of offering a 1080p image up to 100 inches in size – although, it is also much cheaper.
The Sony 4K Ultra Short Throw Projector will be available mid-2014 for approximately US$30,000 to $40,000.
Source: Sony

The swan flies: Successful launch of Cygnus/Antares ISS supply mission

An Antares launch vehicle boosts the Orbital Sciences Cygnus spacecraft on it's way to the International Space Station (Photo: NASA)
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Orbital Sciences Corporation today successfully launched the first of eight Cygnus cargo supply missions to the International Space Station (ISS). Orbital's Antares medium-lift rocket (originally called the Taurus II) carried the Cygnus into an initial orbit of 135 x 175 miles (220 x 280 km), inclined at 51.6 degrees relative to the equator. The Cygnus is flying solo now, with full communications and deployed solar arrays, carrying roughly 2,800 lb (1,300 kg) of cargo toward a January 12 rendezvous and docking with the ISS.

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Orbital and SpaceX are currently the only commercial launch services certified to provide Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) for the ISS. Orbital's US$1.9 billion initial contract calls for eight Cygnus launches, delivering cargo at a cost of just under $45,000/lb ($100,000/kg). For these missions, Orbital will deliver items needed for continuation of the ISS program, such as food, clothing, crew supplies, spare parts and equipment, and scientific experiments.
The cost of cargo delivery does not compare well with SpaceX's contract. If NASA chooses to use the full cargo capacity of SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft, as it is with Orbital's Cygnus, SpaceX's $1.6 billion contract for 12 resupply missions results in a cargo delivery cost of less than half the cost ($18,000/lb or $40,000/kg.) Still, having two arrows in the quiver allows for contingency planning.

Today's Cygnus mission was originally delayed by the ISS cooling repairs from December, and then on Tuesday an X-class solar flare aimed directly at Earth made it advisable to further delay the launch to today (Thursday). While the ISS and the Cygnus are hardened against most solar radiation, the Antares launch vehicle is not. As a result, flying in the ejecta from a solar flare of this magnitude could have resulted in failure of the mission.
“It was another excellent launch of Antares, and so far, our first CRS mission is off to a great start with Cygnus operating exactly as anticipated at this early stage of the mission,” said Mr. David W. Thompson, Orbital’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our team has put in a lot of hard work to get to the point of performing regular ISS cargo delivery trips for NASA. It’s an exciting day for all of us and I’m looking forward to completing this and our future CRS missions safely and successfully for our NASA customer.”
The following video shows the successful launch.
Source: NASA

Parrot debuts rolling MiniDrone and Jumping Sumo bot

Parrot has made two high-flying additions to its robotic lineup: the MiniDrone and the Jumping Sumo (pictured)
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Well-known drone-maker Parrot has been drawing quite a few onlookers to its booth at CES with two high-flying additions to its robotic lineup: the MiniDrone and the Jumping Sumo. The MiniDrone is a small quadcopter that can fly in the air and roll along the ground using detachable wheels, while the Jumping Sumo is a remote-controlled ground bot that leaps into the air using a high-powered piston.

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As with most of its UAVs, Parrot has designed the hand-held MiniDrone to be easily accessible to beginners, while still packing in some impressive capabilities. Several sensors ensure the quadcopter remains stable in the air as users control it with a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth Low Energy.
It's also able to pull off loops and other tricks and even follow a few autopilot commands. One demonstration on the show floor had the small quad hovering at a fixed height and navigating back and forth between several colored squares without any input from a pilot. Additionally, the drone includes a set of wheels that can roll along a floor or ceiling and detach while moving.

The Jumping Sumo on the other hand is an agile, two-wheeled robot that's more suited for the ground, but can still get some air time on its own. When it needs to perform a jump, it tilts its body upward, retracts a back-facing piston into itself, and then fires it out again like a jackhammer, much like the Sand Flea robot.
But while the Sand Flea can clear heights of 9 m (30 ft), the Sumo is able to launch up to 80 cm (31.5) and is equipped with a gyroscope and accelerometer, which helps it to right itself once it lands and remain upright while rolling on the ground. Its two large wheels allow it to make sharp turns or even spin 360-degrees while remaining in one spot. Users guide the Sumo through a smart device with Wi-Fi 2.4 or 5 GHz connections, and can even control it from afar thanks to a built-in camera on the front that streams video in real time.

Watching the demonstrations from Parrot reps, the two bots appear easy to control, but could take some practice to pull off their more impressive maneuvers. Judging from some missed jumps and crashes we saw, at least it looks like they'll be able to survive a few accidents while users attempt to get a handle of their controls.
Parrot's MiniDrone and Jumping Sumo will be in stores later this year, but no pricing has been revealed yet. In the meantime, check out the video the company released below showing some of their new toys' capabilities.
Source: Parrot

Britain to be home of "world's most demanding electric bus route"

One of the Milton Keynes electric buses
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We've recently seen electric city buses being tried out on routes in places like Germany, Sweden and Korea. On January 19th, however, a demonstration program will begin in the UK, which its organizers claim will be one of the most demanding ever.
The 5-year project will involve eight electric buses running 17 hours a day, covering a 15-mile (24-km) route in the large British town of Milton Keynes. While the drivers are on their scheduled mid-shift breaks, the buses will be parked over charging coils embedded in the road. Power will be transmitted from those coils to receiving plates located on the underside of the buses – just like the inductive charging setups already in use in most of the other previously-mentioned projects.

All of the Milton Keynes buses will be serviced by two wireless charging points, with a 10-minute charge replenishing the batteries by approximately two thirds.
With each bus logging over 56,000 miles (90,123 km) per year, it is estimated the eight vehicles will keep approximately five tonnes (5.5 tons) of particulates and noxious tailpipe emissions, and about 270 tonnes (298 tons) of CO2 from entering the atmosphere each year.
The multi-partner project is being led by eFleet Integrated Service, a company set up by Mitsui & Co. Europe and design engineering consultancy Arup.
Source: MASP

ICM gets to grips with two new climbing robots

ICM's Climber robot starts up a wind turbine
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International Climbing Machines (ICM) has announced two new wall climbing robots will be joining its original Climber robot this year. Targeted at inspecting dams, wind turbines, and submarines, the MINI robot will be used to squeeze into tight spaces, while the MAXI model will be used to tackle large surfaces.

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Made primarily for naval applications, the new MINI Climber weighs 20 lb (9 kg), and is about 14 in (35 cm) long and 15 in (38 cm) wide. The little robot is made from carbon fiber and epoxy to keep weight to a minimum, and carries a robotic arm that can position a laser to remove coatings from complex surfaces within confined spaces, like those found within a nuclear submarine.
ICM says it recently completed development of the MINI Climbing Robot, which will be put to work by the US Navy, but that the larger MAXI model is still under development. However, company CEO Sam Maggio tells us that the MAXI will be used to climb the exterior of Navy vessels to carry out coating removal tasks, and will be able to handle 1 in (25 mm) obstacles.
ICM started building wall climbing robots in 2001, after the owner of a industrial coatings company lamented that there was no easy way to clean large structures. The traditional method of scaffolding, scaffolding covers, and sandblasting was dirty and dangerous, creating a very hostile environment for workers high off the ground, breathing in dust, debris, and paint flecks.

To solve this problem, ICM invented the original Climber, which uses a vacuum system to stick to walls – or even overhead surfaces. Since even a smooth wall may contain obstacles, bolts, sills, or dirt, the robot needed to have some ability to deal with rough surfaces. ICM developed a thick foam rubber pad that forms a "rolling pressure seal" for the vacuum and acts as tank treads. The foam is able to handle 3/4-in (20 mm) bumps, which gives it the ability to climb brick walls, steel plates, and aircraft exteriors.
All of the ICM robots are remote controlled, operated by a worker using video cameras and a video-game type controller. A variety of cameras and sensors, cleaning systems (abrasion, sand blasting, etc.), and painting systems can be attached to the robots. Typical uses are inspection of giant wind turbine blades, cleaning the inside and outside of storage tanks, cleaning the bilges on ships and submarines, and inspecting the concrete in dams and nuclear power plants.
The new MINI robot is available now, as is the standard Climber robot. The larger MAXI robot will be available starting in July of 2014.
The video below shows the ICM wall climbing robot making the transition from floor to wall to start a climb.
Source: ICM

Opinion: Should the ISS be given a new lease of life?

ISS receives reprieve to 2024 (Photo: NASA)
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The Obama Administration has approved an extension of the International Space Station (ISS) program from 2020 until at least 2024. This is an unfunded statement of intent, which must be both approved and funded by the US Congress, and neither NASA nor the White House have revealed from where the additional US$4 billion per year of funding for this extended operation will come from. At present none of the ISS international partners have plans to support such an extension. So does this decision make sense in for the future of space exploration as a whole?
The deorbiting of the US Orbital Segment (USOS) of the ISS was originally scheduled for 2016. Deorbiting was extended in 2010 to 2020, but Russia has at least nominal plans to use their most recent ISS segments as the core of a new space station designed as an assembly shop to support future deep-space missions. The US extension to 2024 may or may not affect Russia's plans.
Unfortunately, as the USOS was not designed for disassembly, the US legal responsibility [PDF] for removing the USOS from orbit will eventually result in throwing away roughly a million pounds of refined materials that are already in orbit – placed there at a cost of about $30K/lb (50K/kg). Even at foreseeable launch costs of $1000/lb ($1700/kg), the USOS is worth around a billion dollars in reusable materials. Throwing this lot away is not necessarily the best use of space resources. It might be better to push it into a higher orbit and treat it as a mine in space, or a scrap yard.
It is interesting to look at the reasons put forward (not necessarily in order) for maintaining the US ISS activities by the official communiqué from John Holdren (Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy) and Charles Bolden (NASA Administrator.).
One contentious claim is that extending the ISS will "help cement continuing US leadership in human spaceflight". Leadership is earned, not claimed. I believe that the US ceded this position some years ago by voluntarily demolishing its ability to launch people into space, leaving only the Russian and Chinese space programs with that ability. The US is playing catch-up, not leading the pack.
Another claim is that the ISS is needed for "an increasingly important role in the study of the Earth and its changing climate." The statement lists a number of instruments that will be sent to the ISS over the next few years, but in fact none of these gain any real benefit by being mounted on the ISS. Their missions would be carried out less expensively and more flexibly by systems of satellites.

There is only one experiment on ISS for which it has been claimed that positioning on the ISS was required, the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer 2. This task was considered sufficiently important that one additional Shuttle flight was authorized to put it in place. The problem? AMS2 required about 2-2.5 kW of power, and that was supposed to make it impractical to put on a satellite. The thing is, a modern communications satellite provides in the range of 6-8 kW of continuous power for its operations. A satellite dedicated to the AMS2 would have cost a fraction of the $1.5B Shuttle flight.
We'll go quickly by the claim that research done on the ISS has been worth the cost. Similar to claims made about the entire space effort, it hasn't.
Holdren and Bolden also advance the notion that further research on spaceflight-associated human-health issues must be carried out aboard the ISS "in support of planned long-duration human missions beyond low-Earth orbit—including our planned human mission to an asteroid by 2025 and to Mars in the 2030s." There already exist medical records on people who have spent years in orbit, which one would think would provide answers to many of the open questions. Many others, such as physiological response to cosmic radiation exposure while weightless, cannot be examined in the ISS. In either case, even without the extension, there remain six years to fill in the holes.
It's also worth noting that the planned "human mission to an asteroid" has transmogrified into capturing a (tiny) asteroid or rock from one, orbiting it around the Moon, and sending what is essentially a manned lunar orbit mission to work with it. Not really a deep space manned mission with unknown conditions.
The fact is that the hardest medical problems with interplanetary space travel are extremely prolonged exposure to weightlessness (we have nearly 150 man-years total experience in zero-g; Sergey Krikalev alone has spent 2.2 years in orbit), radiation exposure, which can't be endured on a trip to Mars, so it has to be shielded, and keeping 2-3 people in a closet-sized capsule for several years while keeping them from driving each other around the bend. This latter is often considered the most difficult part of surviving interplanetary travel at our level of technology.
It is also argued that the ISS extension will provide more opportunities for the commercial space industry to get off the ground. The problem is that the extension will keep the commercial space industry highly focused on a type of commercial activity that will suddenly disappear when NASA sticks an Orion with the ESA rocket propelled Service Module on top of an SLS booster rocket sitting atop a cluster of two or three SLS boosters (this combination will get an Orion capsule to any LEO orbit).

I believe it is easier to argue that, compared to enabling three Orion/SLS manned flights during the 2020s at an overall cost estimated at $41B (add-on flights are estimated by NASA at nearly $2B a throw), it is probably worth evaluating the use of slightly stretched Dragon/SpaceX Falcon Heavy craft, currently aimed at the capability of lifting 57 metric tons to LEO with an estimated per launch cost of under $200M. Even given that both costs are probably conservative, it would be difficult for the cost of the Falcon Heavy to catch up with that of the SLS. Of course, if the $4 billion a year from 2021 through 2024 comes out of the SLS development budget, there won't be an SLS in the 2020s.
The ISS has already served its main real-world goal of helping us learn to live and work in space. Should the ISS be deorbited in 2024, 2020, or 2016, boosted to serve as a source of materials, or meet some other fate? In the long run, it probably doesn't matter. Ultimately, we as a species will have to find a reason for living, working, and establishing property rights in space so compelling that its pursuit can't be upset by the decisions of a single government.
(Full disclosure: your correspondent is a US citizen who has been involved in various parts of his career with NASA projects.)
Source: NASA