Nesting dolls

Those Russian nesting dolls always captured my attention and now some are made to be quite comical. I will use their example to describe a new- found discovery in isotopes. We use isotopes all the time in radiation and for scans such as Pet, MRI, and in brachytherapy. Scientists discovered at the US National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory, that, while smashing Oxygen-13 into beryllium to create isotope oxygen -11, nitrogen-9 was discovered. (I see you yawning, stay with me). You recall studying atoms with nuclei, electrons and protons, but this glimpse of a possible new isotope with nucleus spewing out 5 instead of 4 protons will further revolutionize elemental knowledge.*

What’s my point today? Scientists are ever uncloaking layers of discoveries on even the most minute level. Years ago we didn’t test for genes let alone epigenes and we never thought to adapt them to target cancers. We can appreciate on every level of cancer treatments, that even minute findings lead to magnified gains.

There is always some good news to share as exciting developments emerge. Just last month Memorial Sloan Kettering had a groundbreaking discovery. Dostarlimab immunotherapy was found to eradicate rectal cancer, negating the need for surgery and radiation! Now the study is small and we need time to see if the results are sustainable, but this will revolutionize the treatment of this common disease. Harnessing immuno-ablative therapies may potentially impact gastric, prostate and pancreatic cancers.

Do you feel all the positive vibrations of miracles in real time? Hope so. Stay strong. Shed your own fear, suffering, anxiety – you do not need those outer layers. What you need is a strong and resilient core. Trust who you are and what you believe in your heart. The determination to manage chaos and renew your life is fierce. If invisible protons, nanoparticles and epi genes can do it, imagine just how powerful you are too.

*Invariant-mass spectroscopy in projectile fragmentation reactions. R.J.Charity etal. Phys.Rev C108 10/27/23.

**