'Dark matter' find could change cancer treatment

[Judi Lynn]

Published
3 hours ago

Scientists have discovered more about the mysterious role of epigenetics, the study of how genes change, in controlling the way cancers develop.

Often called "dark matter", it could alter the way cancer is detected and treated, research from The Institute of Cancer Research suggests. And it could lead to new forms of tests for the disease which would help tailor treatments.

But this is a long way off, with research still at an early stage.

When most people think of genetics, they think of structural changes to the DNA code that are passed down the generations.

More:
https://www.bbc.com/news/health-63399263

[live love laugh]

1. So cancers are environmental AND hereditary?

Seems like we kind of knew that already with the focus on known carcinogens.

Still very interesting and hopefully promising.

[eppur_se_muova]

2. Well, *THAT'S* confusing usage of the term.

I realize the comparison with cosmological dark matter was originally intended jokingly, but I hate to think what it's going to do to science indexing services.

Not clear what the antecedent of "it" is -- epigenetics ?? That's a field of study, not a substance. The Beebe can do better.