Science

Judi Lynn

(162,318 posts) Wed Oct 26, 2022, 11:08 PM Oct 2022

'Dark matter' find could change cancer treatment

Published
3 hours ago

Scientists have discovered more about the mysterious role of epigenetics, the study of how genes change, in controlling the way cancers develop.

Often called "dark matter", it could alter the way cancer is detected and treated, research from The Institute of Cancer Research suggests. And it could lead to new forms of tests for the disease which would help tailor treatments.

But this is a long way off, with research still at an early stage.

When most people think of genetics, they think of structural changes to the DNA code that are passed down the generations.

More:
https://www.bbc.com/news/health-63399263

2 replies

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'Dark matter' find could change cancer treatment (Original Post) Judi Lynn Oct 2022 OP

So cancers are environmental AND hereditary? live love laugh Oct 2022 #1

Well, *THAT'S* confusing usage of the term. eppur_se_muova Oct 2022 #2

live love laugh

(14,144 posts)

1. So cancers are environmental AND hereditary?

Reply to Judi Lynn (Original post)

Thu Oct 27, 2022, 12:29 AM

Oct 2022

Seems like we kind of knew that already with the focus on known carcinogens.

Still very interesting and hopefully promising.

eppur_se_muova

(37,332 posts)

2. Well, *THAT'S* confusing usage of the term.

Reply to Judi Lynn (Original post)

Thu Oct 27, 2022, 12:55 AM

Oct 2022

I realize the comparison with cosmological dark matter was originally intended jokingly, but I hate to think what it's going to do to science indexing services.

Not clear what the antecedent of "it" is -- epigenetics ?? That's a field of study, not a substance. The Beebe can do better.

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