After taking MBP Oncology course and learning about cancer survival rates and recurrences, I realized that there is pretty much no effective treatment for cancer (I guess I had a very naïve view of this disease for a scientist). I study replication of DNA, so most of the reagents that I am using [...]]]>

After taking MBP Oncology course and learning about cancer survival rates and recurrences, I realized that there is pretty much no effective treatment for cancer (I guess I had a very naïve view of this disease for a scientist). I study replication of DNA, so most of the reagents that I am using are potential carcinogens. Also, throughout my undergraduate and graduate studies I heard about a number of professors who developed cancer. So it looks like I am at a greater risk of developing a cancer than a person who works outside of a research field. Since there is no cure for cancer, the best solution is prevention.

Botanical and nutritional compounds have been used for the treatment of cancer throughout history and may be useful in the cancer prevention. Population studies suggest that high consumption of vegetables and fruits is associated with a reduced risk of cancer. Numerous fruits, vegetables and berries contain cancer chemopreventive compounds. Cabbage, garlic, tomatoes and barriers are some of the examples (see Table 1 for more details).

Several lead compounds, such as genistein from soybeans, lycopene from tomatoes, brassinin from cruciferous vegetables, sulforaphane from asparagus, indole-3-carbinol from broccoli, and resveratrol from grapes and peanuts are in preclinical or clinical trials for cancer chemoprevention ¹. This gives us another reason to include as many fruits and vegetables in our diet as possible. I would like to provide more details on the cancer fighting compounds found in foods and I will start with my favourite vegetable (which is according to scientific classification is actually a fruit)  – tomato.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes contain lycopene which is an antioxidant compound that gives tomatoes and certain other fruits and vegetables their color. The antioxidant activity of lycopene is twice that of beta carotene. The observational case-control studies showed that the risk for some types of cancer is lower in people who have higher levels of lycopene in their blood ². However, there are other studies that saw no effect.

Since tomatoes also contain vitamins, potassium, and other carotenoids and antioxidants, it may be that other compounds in tomatoes may account for some of the protective effects first thought to be due to lycopene.

To test whether lycopene is responsible for cancer fighting capabilities of tomatoes, one animal study compared lycopene supplements to powdered tomatoes. The rats that received tomato powder had much lower cancer risk, whereas the rats receiving lycopene supplements did not differ significantly from the group that received no special supplements ³.

While the researchers are trying to figure out what is the substance responsible for the cancer fighting power of tomatoes, we can include this vegetable in our daily diet and enjoy its taste and health benefits.

References

¹ Gullett, N. P. et al. Cancer prevention with natural compounds. Semin Oncol 37, 258-281, doi:S0093-7754(10)00093-X [pii]

10.1053/j.seminoncol.2010.06.014.

² Park, E. J. & Pezzuto, J. M. Botanicals in cancer chemoprevention. Cancer Metastasis Rev 21, 231-255 (2002).

³ Boileau, T. W. et al. Prostate carcinogenesis in N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (NMU)-testosterone-treated rats fed tomato powder, lycopene, or energy-restricted diets. J Natl Cancer Inst 95, 1578-1586 (2003).

Also:

http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/DietandNutrition/lycopene

MBP Olympics 2010 on Vimeo.

“The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part; the essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well.” Pierre de Coubertin

The words of the Founder of the International Olympic Committee, could not sound more appropriate. On Friday August 20th, about 100 students, [...]]]>

MBP Olympics 2010 on Vimeo.

“The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part; the essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well.” Pierre de Coubertin

The words of the Founder of the International Olympic Committee, could not sound more appropriate. On Friday August 20th, about 100 students, staff and even some faculty members divided into 10 teams and fought valiantly at the 3rd annual MBP Olympics. These Olympics, unlike the slightly more famous ones you see on TV every four years, require an exquisite balance of physical strength, intellectual prowess, mental toughness, and water-proof clothing!

Like the beginning of every epic battle, the afternoon started with burgers, hotdogs and pop. Then the 10 teams (Barberians, C7 Hotties, Gangastz, Hedgeclippers, Lambda, Mouse Models, Photodynamic Super Humans, Rad 2 Ur Face, Short FUSe, and the Artefacts) ventured onto the main fields of Sunnybrook Park in an action-packed afternoon.

The events were scattered across the park as teams went head-to-head, rotating between events. Three-Legged Frisbee, California Kickball, Danger Zone were just some of the events that were featured this year in the MBP Olympics. The video and the rest of the pictures (see below), capture the intensity, passion and skills on display this past Friday, which I believe will go down as the best MBP Olympics yet.

Although, everyone was a winner in our books, journalistic integrity compels me to report the actual winners. Therefore, congratulations to Lambda Lambda Lambda for taking 1st place, Gangastz for 2nd place and Best Spirit award, and the vastly undermanned team led by Dr. Greg Stanisz, Barberians for third place. Also, a big shout out goes to the three PIs that were able to put on hold their busy schedule to participate in the events: Dr. Graham Wright, Dr.Anne Martel and Dr. Greg Stanisz. All of which, brought their many years of training and research experience to answer questions such as this brain teaser: “True or False? Oxygenated blood is red, deoxygenated is blue”.

I would also like to praise the organizing committee that for the past couple of months had to jump through hoops to put the event together: Janet Denbeigh, Sarah Cuddy, Arvin Arani, Firas Moosvi, Anna Maeva, Shawn Stapleton, Charles Tremblay-Darveau, Cameron Wright and Ian Pang.

The Romans used to say “Mens sana in corpore sano” (a healthy mind in a healthy body) and here in the Medical Biophysics department we take what take anything written in latin very seriously!

[Show as slideshow]

1234...91011►

Imagine a circle that contains all of human knowledge:

By the time you finish elementary school, you know a little:

By the time you finish high school, you know a bit more:

With a bachelor’s degree, you gain a specialty:

A master’s degree deepens that specialty:

Reading research papers takes you to the edge of [...]]]>

What is a Ph.D.?

Imagine a circle that contains all of human knowledge:

By the time you finish elementary school, you know a little:

By the time you finish high school, you know a bit more:

With a bachelor’s degree, you gain a specialty:

A master’s degree deepens that specialty:

Reading research papers takes you to the edge of human knowledge:

Once you’re at the boundary, you focus:

You push at the boundary for a few years:

Until one day, the boundary gives way:

And, that dent you’ve made is called a Ph.D.:

Of course, the world looks different to you now:

So, don’t forget the bigger picture:

Keep pushing.

When I first came across this, I stopped at the last picture – not realizing that I had missed the key point of this guide. Now I know.

Original by Matt Might at:

 http://matt.might.net/articles/phd-school-in-pictures/

You can purchase his guide in print to support genetics research for a measly $6.50 USD + $3 shipping (I did).

Cheers,

Firas

What makes you happy? Perhaps it’s the warm sunshine, the cute kid you see on the subway or listening to your favourite song (Happiness is a warm gun, maybe?). Well, whenever you feel happy press here – on your smartphone that is. The London School of Economics recently launched a free iPhone app [...]]]>

What makes you happy? Perhaps it’s the warm sunshine, the cute kid you see on the subway or listening to your favourite song (Happiness is a warm gun, maybe?). Well, whenever you feel happy press here – on your smartphone that is. The London School of Economics recently launched a free iPhone app called mappiness (http://www.mappiness.org.uk/), which aims to map out what exactly makes individuals happy, as well as the various environmental factors that contribute to their happiness.  Factors like noise level, weather and even air pollution will be accounted for when individuals’ happiness levels are mapped out in the UK. What kind of app will they come out with next I wonder?

[From The Star]

We can all agree that the Digital Age has changed the way we communicate and the level of intimacy associated with it.

Jin Lee new graphic called “10 Levels of Intimacy in Communication” definitely opens the floor for further discussion. What do you think of the levels? Are [...]]]>

We can all agree that the Digital Age has changed the way we communicate and the level of intimacy associated with it.

Jin Lee new graphic called “10 Levels of Intimacy in Communication” definitely opens the floor for further discussion. What do you think of the levels? Are there similarities in research or scientific communication?

[via Design Year Book]

If you “ride the rocket” the following information might be of use to you (you can also find more info at http://www.utsu.ca/content/1427):

TTC Metropass Update!

The NEW Post-Secondary TTC Metropass will be available soon! How to get yours

Step 1: Pre-register Pre-register at: www.datacard.com/ttc Enter Access Code uot75011 Print and keep your confirmation!

Step 2: Get Post-Secondary TTC Student Photo ID Get [...]]]>

If you “ride the rocket” the following information might be of use to you (you can also find more info at http://www.utsu.ca/content/1427):

TTC Metropass Update!

The NEW Post-Secondary TTC Metropass will be available soon!
How to get yours

Step 1: Pre-register
Pre-register at: www.datacard.com/ttc
Enter Access Code uot75011
Print and keep your confirmation!

Step 2: Get Post-Secondary TTC Student Photo ID
Get the ID during the following:

August 25, 26, 27
Hart House – 7 Hart House Circle
Arbour Room/Sammy’s Student Exchange
10:00 to 6:00

August 30, 31 and September 1, 2, 3
UC Room 163
15 King’s College Circle
10:00 to 6:00

Bring .00 (cash only), your Tcard and one other form of ID, plus the confirmation printout from Step 1.

Step 3: Purchase your Metropass
Purchase your Post-Secondary Metropass at each month
Starting August 25th

Hours are 10:00-6:00 between the period August 25-August 31

Thereafter, regular office hours each day that the office is open

***Please be advised that the VIP Metropass at $107.00 will be discontinued at U.T.S.U. following the completion of sales on August 31 for students.***

TTC Post-Secondary Student Photo ID – Conditions of Use

1. The card can only be used with a Post-Secondary Student Metropass.

2. The card must be shown to TTC employees when using a Post-Secondary Student Metropass, or an Adult Fare is required.

3. The card is only valid if the student is enrolled in a recognized Degree or Diploma program, as determined in accordance with TTC policy, (referred to as “Post-Secondary School”), and the institution is located in the City of Toronto.

4. The card is not transferable. The card remains the property of the TTC and must be surrendered upon request for inspection. It may be confiscated if the holder violates TTC By-law No. 1 or alters the card in any way. The card will not be returned and you may not apply for a new one.

When purchasing your Metropass at U.T.S.U., please ensure your TCard / Library card is valid at the TCard office in Robarts, 2nd Floor. We will not make any exceptions.

A full calendar is available for download – see “DATES & LOCATIONS”. Dates, times, locations are listed, and are subject to change without notice. If you have a question beyond dates, times, locations please check the FAQ’s section.

UofT Staff: for more information on how you can continue to receive the discounted VIP Metropass please check the HR and Equity website at www.hrandequity.utoronto.ca.

[via University Of Toronto Student Association]

Long time ago I realized that by changing our diet we could solve many health problems. So, despite the disapproval of my family, I slowly started to change my diet and healthy eating has become my hobby.  Currently, I am a pescaterian, which means that my diet consists of plant food as well [...]]]>

Long time ago I realized that by changing our diet we could solve many health problems. So, despite the disapproval of my family, I slowly started to change my diet and healthy eating has become my hobby.  Currently, I am a pescaterian, which means that my diet consists of plant food as well as fish. This way I eliminate from my diet the hormones and antibiotics that come with meat. Yeas, I know that many fish have high levels of mercury and PCB, as well as cholesterol and fat, but I am not ready to say “no” to it yet.

Recently, I came across a lecture by Dr. Michael Klaper who is a family physician that implements nutritionally-based therapies in his practice to treat patients with cardiovascular diseases, obesity and adult onset diabetes.  My MSc. research uses atherosclerosis as a disease model and I have read quite a lot on this topic. However, I had no idea how the arteries of the person who is having a bypass surgery look on the inside and I was shocked to see so much fat! Most people know about the dangers of fatty foods but not all realize the extent of it. Also, some products we don’t even view as harmful but in reality they are. For these reasons, I decided to share this video with you. Dr. Klaper has an excellent presentation style and sense of humour. I hope you will like this one!

It’s not something you think you would know or understand when you look at or hear the name alone, but the simple fact is that we have all come across applications of medical biophysics at some point or the other in our lives. Almost every machine that helps doctors perform diagnostic [...]]]> (by Kathy Wilson)

It’s not something you think you would know or understand when you look at or hear the name alone, but the simple fact is that we have all come across applications of medical biophysics at some point or the other in our lives. Almost every machine that helps doctors perform diagnostic procedures through invasive or non-invasive techniques is an example of what the medical biophysics field has achieved. To put it in simple terms, medical biophysics applies the principles of physics to biological processes to facilitate applications in the medical field. The most common medical biophysics application would probably be your X-ray machine.

Besides being used for medical imaging for diagnostic purposes, medical biophysics is also applied in the field of oncology for both the diagnosis and the treatment of cancer through techniques like radiolabelling and molecular imaging. It also finds importance in the research of vasculature and the function of the circulatory system.

In recent years, medical biophysics has proven invaluable in the treatment of cancer, a disease whose diagnosis is almost always equivalent to pronouncing a death sentence. However, medical researchers are working long and hard to find ways to cure cancer and allow patients to lead a healthy life without suffering a relapse. Dr. Curtis B. Caldwell of the University of Toronto has applied digital image analysis in conjunction with artificial intelligence to see if tumors can be accurately located and targeted during radiation therapy. As of now, CT scan images are used by oncologists and doctors to manually define tumor contours and determine its general area.

Dr. Caldwell and his team are conducting research to see if functional information from PET scans will allow improvement in the way tumor volumes are defined. Using texture information from both CT and PET images, he is attempting to automatically define the tumor target so that radiation therapy can be planned in such a way that curative radiation doses can be delivered without high amounts being targeted at areas close to normal tissue. This, if achieved, will eliminate one of the most debilitating side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy – the fact that healthy cells are also destroyed along with the cancerous cells.

So even though you may think the term medical biophysics is intimidating and complicated, you would have come across its various applications at some point in your life, whether it is for your medical health or that of your loved ones. And because of its immense potential for development in the world of curative medicine, this field, which is growing by leaps and bounds by the day, is a smart career choice.

By-line:

This guest post is contributed by Kathy Wilson, who writes on the topic of x-ray technician schools . She welcomes your comments at her email id: kathywilson1983@gmail.com