5 February 2011 - Cancer.

I went ahead and changed the Tue-Thur-Sun Schedule on the site header because...well we all know how dependable I am!  So yes.  I sure do wish blogging was all I did all day!  Instead, here is a picture of a kitten:

That's in my office.  Only a few days older.  Lookitthelittlenose.

Anyhoo.

Today, I'd like to talk about a couple of stories I very recently tweeted regarding cancer.  Oh, by the way - I noticed that twitter gadget was a little bit of fail, so to make it easier for you guys to use from the site I've switched to the Twitter-created version.  Stories should now open in a new tab or window, making it easier for you to read each and come back to the list.  :)  Okay, anyways, CANCER.


First, something called "Cornell dots."  Earlier today I was ranting and raving about how nutty the FDA could get, but here, we see they've graciously permitted the testing of something really nifty - inorganic, tiny dye beads inside a small silica ball.  The little balls are small enough to safely pass from the body, as well as being coated with "don't-destroy-me" chemicals.  Organic binding bits are stuck to the little dye nanoparticles, making them seek out and stick to tumor cells.  Once exposed to "near-infrared" light, they fluoresce brightly, allowing examiners to spot problem sites very easily.  They're using radioactivity to double-check results, and will be looking for how long it takes the particles to reach and tag different organ systems, and the length of time needed to leave the body.

Next, most people recognize that sun damage ups your risk for skin cancer, specifically melanoma, but exactly HOW that occurs is still a bit foggy.  Well, new research based on previous findings (that a certain kind of interferon moving when exposed to UVB radiation can actually lead to cancerous growth) shows that adding a drug that may block that interferon's activity enough to prevent or halt cancer growth.  I don't think there are results on that yet, but it'll be interesting to see where this goes, fo sho.


Mmkay, I know this one was brief, but there was a kitten, so you can't blame me.  :)  Keep reading the twitter feed, and I'll be around!

-Miss Mouse



References and Links:
Cancer Dots
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110205162831.htm

More "we're-at-least-onto-something" Science
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110205141314.htm