The University of Alberta is working to develop what they hope will be a cheap and simple cure for cancer. Apparently, a simple molecule called dichloroacetate or DCA (pictured above) is currently being tested as a treatment to shrink cancerous tumours. According to research done by a 1930 biochemist named Otto Warburg, cancerous cells use a process called glycolysis to supply energy to themselves. DCA prevents this process, while leaving other bodily cells undamaged.

DCA is a drug that “boosts” the function of mitochondria. Mitochondria are the energy-producing units within cells and they regulate the energy production in the body (i.e. the metabolism). Cancer somehow suppresses the function of mitochondria and by achieving this it gains “eternal life”. We believe that cancer cells die when the mitochondria are “normalized” or boosted by DCA. Because these effects in mitochondria occur only in cancer and not normal cells, we believe that DCA will not have the significant side effects (hair loss, nausea, heart failure etc) that many standard chemotherapies have. – Taken from the DCA FAQ

Unfortunately, the fact that DCA has been around for a while is both a blessing and a curse. Due to it’s age, DCA cannot be patented, and as such is not worth the money that it would take to put the drug through the necessary clinical trials. Drug companies who put it through clinical trials would not be able to prevent rivals from making the drug themselves, and as such would not be able to charge exorbitant fees for it in order to remain competitive.

It seems ridiculous that such a huge discovery would be blocked by greed. It makes me wonder how well the concept of “open-source” would apply to the medical world. Just a thought…

For more information on what the University of Alberta and the Alberta Cancer Board are doing about this, please visit their website.

Originally found on: New Scientist Short Sharp Science blog: A cheap and simple cure for cancer?

In light of the sacrifice that He made for me, I want to tell others that they too can have the same opportunity to have LIFE. People don’t have to pay for their sins, if they don’t want to. God already paid the price, and all we have to do is accept His free gift of salvation and believe in Him. Most people think that if they work hard enough, or do enough good stuff to outweigh the bad, they’ll get to heaven. Unfortunately, that isn’t true. God says that the punishment for ALL sin, no matter how small, is death. No other options, that’s just the way it is. In light of that and because of His love for us, He sent His Son to die in our place. Now all we have to do is accept that gift.

The problem is, most people don’t know that the opportunity is there. They are still trying to do it on their own, and they’re not going to make it. It breaks my heart when I see people trying so hard to do the right things, or searching for answers in all the wrong places, when the answer that they are searching for is right here in plain view. Salvation from sin, freedom from judgment, and purpose for life are all right here. We just have to accept them.

Yet so many people ignore this gift. So many people turn it down, choosing to try and get to heaven on their own. It’s like being offered the keys to a mansion, and turning them down, choosing instead to keep living in a cardboard box on the street.

So that’s a little about me, and what I’m passionate about. I’d love to hear any thoughts you have on this.

In many cases when a person is drowning, by the time a life-guard can get them to the surface and/or to land, it is too late to try and administer CPR. This may soon change, with the production of the O’C'N Rescue Can. With the help of this tool, a life-guard can now administer CPR right there in the water. How cool is that?!
Found on: Gizmowatch