Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a pill that makes tumours light up when exposed to infrared light. The researchers say the concept has been tested and proven effective in mice. “We overspend $4 billion per year on the diagnosis and treatment of cancers that women would never die from,” said research leader Greg Thurber. “If we go to molecular imaging, we can see which tumors need to be treated. “It’s actually based on a failed drug. “It binds to the target, but it doesn’t do anything, which makes it perfect for imaging.” The researchers attached a molecule that fluoresces when it is struck with infrared light to the drug. Then, they gave the drug to mice that had Bre.ast cancer, and they saw the tumours light up. The targeting molecule has already been shown to make it through the stomach unscathed, and the liver also gives it a pass, so it can travel through the bloodstream. The move could also catch cancers that would have gone undetected. By provi
Lonely, non-empathetic people are more likely to have bad shopping habits. “Consumers very often behave immorally. And while these behaviors are often legal, they are unethical and cost retailers billions each year,” said Jenny Jiao, assistant professor of management at Binghamton University. The researchers gave the example of how consumers purchase an item, mostly clothing, then return it after use, intentionally taking advantage of the return policy. “Wardrobing is when people buy an item, use it and then return it,” said Jiao. “Someone may buy a big-screen TV for Super Bowl Sunday, only to return it on Monday; or they may buy a nice outfit for a night out, only to return it the next day.” While there are numerous reasons a consumer may partake in this kind of behaviour, Jiao and fellow researcher Jing Wang of the University of Iowa focused on whether loneliness could be a factor. “There are a lot of dark sides to loneliness. Past research has established that feeling lonely