July 28, 2017, Filed Under: 2017, cancer, reflectionsCancer Research Update As the summer dwindles down, we can reflect on the progress that has been made throughout the summer. Not only have we developed lasting friendships, improved our scientific communication skills, and explored Austin, but we have conducted seven weeks of research! Working at the lab has brought out the best in us and has made us immerse ourselves, not only into research papers, but into lab life. On a daily basis, we have gone in and out of lab, each day learning a new concept, new ideas, and having many questions as we walked out. We may now proceed to the next step and present all that we have learned and what has yet to be discovered. As for me, I’m just attempting to add a little contribution to the large pool of cancer research. Throughout this summer, I have worked in a medical device laboratory, attempting to develop a catheter for convection enhanced delivery to glioblastomas. So far, convection enhanced delivery is causing backflow of the infused therapeutics. In order to solve this problem, I have been trying to create a pressure driven system. So far, I have been able to narrow down a pressure range in which there is no backflow during infusions. Thankfully, the results that I have been collecting prove that the volume distributed is still optimal while diminishing the amount of backflow shown. Now we can proceed to develop a system that can computationally keep a consistent pressure throughout an infusion. The image displays the distribution patterns of the infusate and demonstrates no reflux. I took this image at the lab during one of my experiments. -Bianca Montano, University of Texas at El Paso
July 20, 2017, Filed Under: 2017, cancerImportance of a Cancer Community A centrifuge, very useful tool in most fields of research and science. Photo by Dalton Kotilinek. Undoubtedly, the most important part of any community is a sense of togetherness. In the case of a cancer research community, the thing that binds us all together is that we have the same goal: to help people affected by cancer. This may range from developing new medicines to help treat cancer or new methods to detect early onset of cancer. By having a sense of togetherness, we support each other in knowing that it’s not just one of us trying to find a cure or new method of detection, but an entire group of people coming together. In the case of people affected by cancer, whether it be actual patients or families of the patients, they’re all bound together through their personal experiences with the affliction. These personal experiences bring people together through charities and support groups. This summer I saw one way how this brings people together, the Texas 4000 Riders. They spread cancer awareness, hope, and raise money for charity all while cycling a grueling 4000+ miles. In one way or another, these individuals were somehow affected by cancer and that brought them together. Perhaps the most important part of a cancer community is knowing you’re not alone in whatever you may be enduring. -Dalton Kotilinek, South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
July 18, 2017, Filed Under: 2017, cancer, research, texas4000Letter to Texas 4000 Rider: Basil Hariri San Jacinto recreation field at dusk. Photo by Elana Helou Dear Basil, My name is Elana, and I am also the child of Lebanese immigrants, so I truly relate to the feeling that all my accomplishments are only made possible by my parents’ sacrifices. Growing up, I always felt that I should be working towards something that would make their sacrifices worthwhile. So, once I was old enough to truly understand the extent that cancer and other diseases were affecting my family members, I decided that I wanted to work as a medical researcher to help bring relief to families all around the world that were experiencing some of these same effects. My interest in research is largely fueled by experiences with people who I have known for most of my life, so I really found it inspiring that your story about why you ride focused on someone you only encountered for a few hours. I felt that it truly resonated with the fact that cancer is universal and affects so many people in so many ways, which can be easy to lose sight of when someone very close to you is fighting their own battle with the disease. I admire your dedication to and courage in fighting cancer through your own physical toil, and I hope you enjoy the rest of your journey. Sincerely, Elana Helou, Smith College
