The renaissance of cancer immunotherapy is a revolution for patients

Over just the past few years, cancer immunotherapy has transformed how we think about cancer care and cancer biology. This transformation is remarkable not only for its rapidity but also because cancer immunology itself had received little serious consideration for decades. At least three factors have been responsible: (i) the advent of actual data from the clinic as opposed to promising ideas from the laboratory; (ii) a more sophisticated understanding of the human immune response to cancer; and (iii) the realization that despite many years of effort targeting the oncogenic drivers of cancer, for the vast majority of patients the development of resistance limits long term benefit. Since the immune system is adaptive, it can be primed to address the variability inherent to all cancers since the genetic events responsible for cancer’s heterogeneity comprise its Achilles heel in so far as the immune system is concerned: every genetic alteration is a potential target for immune recognition. Thus far, progress has been driven by antibodies that block “checkpoints” that limit T lymphocyte activity, but it is already clear – as successful as it is – the field is as yet at a very early stage. A wealth of different biologies remain to be targeted, a seemingly limitless number of mechanism-based combinations need to be evaluated. We will review where we have been, and where we are going, emphasizing the key role that will continue to be played by biotherapeutic

Getting Online With Generation Z: Learning Approaches

This e-Delphi study explored learning approaches, as defined by Generation Z (Gen Z) learners, in online academic settings and nonacademic settings. It also considered differences between the two panels (38 participants in each panel, representing 39 states) of learners (Academic and Nonacademic) and compared current literature-supported best practices to the learning approaches generated by participants in this study. The Academic panel participants reached consensus on six of the 56 learning approaches: (a) completing course material; (b) rely on self; (c) projects that I can choose what to do and learn material by myself; (d) search Internet; (e) ask expert; and (f) work/discuss with others in class. Additionally, two themes emerged: (1) Guidance with subthemes (a) clear expectations and (b) ask to get a response and (2) Reliance on Self. Thematic analysis of the Academic panel participant data identified two themes: (1) Guidance with subthemes (a) clear expectations and (b) ask to get a response and (2) Reliance on Self. The Nonacademic panel participants reached consensus on 10 of the 37 learning approaches: (a) search online; (b) search for online resources, which are detailed; (c) very detailed, written instructions; (d) try to learn a new skill by self; (e) projects that I can choose what to do and learn material by self; (f) visual examples of finished projects; (g) videos that show me how to do the project; (h) ask expert; (i) ask in social media group; and (j) watch video. Thematic analysis of the Nonacademic panel participant data identified two themes (1) Recommendations and (2) Search Online. The driving learning approach for the Academic panel participants was identified as seeking a guide, while the Nonacademic panel participants sought recommendations to aid them in the learning process. This study added to the limited literature on Gen Z, and offered suggestions for educators to enhance Gen Z learning experiences. Key words: Generation Z, Gen Z, learning approaches, online learning, deep learning, deep learning for transfer/application outcomes, higher education, pedagogical practices, The Delphi method

Mechanisms of RNA export in Caenorhabditis elegans

Many mechanisms govern both how animals respond to stimuli and how these responses inform physical state and future behavior. In C. elegans, these mechanisms include the generation and spread of various species of small RNAs. Emerging as a potent regulator of gene expression in both a single animal and its progeny, small RNAs are reshaping the fields of behavior and transgenerational inheritance. The rising prominence of small RNA within the context of these fields highlights gaps in the knowledge of essential processes, such as the precise mechanisms of small RNA export. RNA import, thanks to earlier efforts characterizing systemic RNA interference (RNAi), are relatively well understood. However, much less is known about how RNAi and other small RNA exit cells. This manuscript details tools and approaches for identifying mobile small RNAs, members of RNA export pathways, and points of regulation in the export process

By the scientists, for the scientists

My association with the JCB began very early in my scientific career. In fact, it predated my understanding that there would even be a scientific career. In the mid-1970s while still an undergraduate, the JCB published my very first paper, a contribution noted perhaps less so for its reporting the characterization of the first known protein in plant cell walls than for a footnote that called attention to the evolutionary conservation of a relationship between “sex and slime” throughout the plant and animal kingdoms