If you’re worried about getting cancer, do yourself a favor: steer clear of red meat and rich foods, and avoid cigarettes. In this lecture, Robert Weinberg provides the scientific basis for this commonplace advice, as well as a layman’s look at the genetic, biochemical and environmental factors that make good cells go bad.Normal cells are civic-minded, lining up together in a precise architecture that gives structure to body tissue. When the cell’s genes are damaged, they send out faulty instructions, turning orderly structure into a chaotic mess. This kind of injury to cells likely comes from the outside – as many as 90% of human cancers are due to bad diets and smoking. Weinberg wants to understand the specific pathways by which the cells’ enemies invade and do their damage, in hopes of then being able to halt the process and freeze a cancer’s growth. But, cautions Weinberg, better to count on prevention than a cure in the fight against cancer.
 Write a Review of How Cancer Begins
girijad83, February 17, 2006
Reviewer: girijad83
from India
This was a very enlightening podcast for me, as I got to know the reasons that cancer develops in the human population. Bob is introduced as being the designer of the research building, which has been working successfully due to the design. As Bob takes over and starts talking, the problems with the microphone make him give some very amusing remarks which get the audience laughing.
Bob tells that cancer is not the result of industrialization; rather, it began 700 million years ago with the evolution of multi-cellular organisms. He gives an interesting example, telling that cancer has also been found in Egyptian mummies. He then goes on to explain how different forms of cancer are found in varying frequencies depending upon the geographical location and the existing population.
A very informative talk that left me astounded from the beginning. The audio and video were excellent, as you can expect from any other MIT podcast.
- Published:
2002
- LearnOutLoud.com Product ID:
H015509
Science
Biology
Self Development
Health & Fitness
|