Aseptic Techniques: Cell Culture Basics

The immune system is constantly on the lookout for threats, but cancer isn’t always easy to spot. Some cancer cells can fly under the radar. Now, advanced sequencing technologies are enabling scientists to investigate the unique genetics of both cancers and immune responses in individual patients. This means researchers can develop treatments that boost the immune system and help the body win its battle against cancer.

The elephant is a creature of epic proportions — and yet, it owes its enormity to more than 1,000 trillion microscopic cells. And on the epically small end of things, there are likely millions of unicellular species, yet there are very few we can see with the naked eye. Why is that?

Brachytherapy has a robust track record as a treatment for prostate cancer. But this treatment seems to be going out of fashion, in favor of more modern, more expensive alternatives. Since evidence suggests that brachytherapy is cost-effective for some patients, many oncologists are keen to make sure it remains an option.