Cancer researcher and Indiana University Professor Linda Malkas
North Adams- Leading cancer researcher Linda H. Malkas revealed some of her newest and as of yet unpublished conclusions when she spoke at the Region I Massachusetts Science Fair.
Hosted at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Friday, the fair brought in student scientists from Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden counties to showcase their projects. Malkas capped off the day with a speech titled “We Can Land a Man on the Moon; Why Can’t We Cure Cancer?â€
“It should be titled ‘How a Path in Science Can Lead to an Extraordinary Life,’†said Barbara Malkas, local math and science teacher and Linda’s sister, in her introduction.
Linda Malkas, a professor at the Indiana University School of Medicine and Vera Bradley chair in oncology, began by explaining her motivation to become a scientist. After originally striving to be an astronaut, Malkas turned to cancer research after the loss of her father to the disease in 1984. It was then she learned the value of the single human cell.
“We are as extraordinary as the stars,†she said, explaining that a single person’s DNA, if unwound, could reach farther than the sun. Her research concentrates primarily on isolating biomarkers – indicators that correlate to certain diseases – that would eventually aid in the early detection of cancer.
“Researchers predict that 95 percent of cancers can be prevented if we just find it sooner,†Malkas said. “Early detection is a critical key.â€
The tumor markers Malkas identified have the potential to be used to revolutionize the treatment of cancer. Blood tests to locate these genetic markers could be administered at routine doctor’s visits, while also monitoring the effectiveness of treatment. Her research could be used to develop medication that targets only cancerous cells, rather than normal cells, which causes a host of devastating side effects for suffering patients.
Malthas’ crowning achievement is discovering the human cell DNA synthesome, a molecular DNA replication “machine.†After years of using a model of the synthesome in her presentations, she showed unreleased photographs of the synthesome in action.
“The function of a synthesome is different in cancer cells,†she explained. During seven years of individual research, Malkas and her team were able to deduce that the protein PCNA appeared in an altered form in cancer cells, but not in normal ones. This led to the creation of an antibody that became a “true detector for cancer.â€
Malkas said that she believes this antibody can be used to differentiate between benign and malignant tumors better than the current practice of determining – through human observation. As the testing of these antibodies moves into clinical trials, Malkas hopes that her research will finally make a difference.
“It took so long to make the antibody, and after seven years of hard work, I couldn’t have gotten any more excited in a million years,†she said after the presentation.
“In your time, cancer isn’t going to be frightening anymore,†she said. “If that doesn’t excite you, I don’t know what will.â€
Jen Thomas is a senior student at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and an iberkshires.com correspondent.
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North Adams OKs Property Sale, Vac Truck Buy
By Tammy Daniels iBerkshires Staff
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The City Council on Tuesday sold off a dilapidated property and approved borrowing of more than $600,000 for a new vacuum truck.
The property at 135 East Quincy St. was acquired for back taxes through Land Court. Mayor Jennifer Macksey said the city had a buyer at $30,000.
"Folks, I was shocked that we even got a buyer," she said. "When we took it, I was afraid we were really going to own it. The back of it is like missing it's in deplorable condition."
However, there were four or five interested buyers with the $30,000 cash bid being the best, the mayor said. The delinquent taxes on the property are $80,000.
"We are taking a loss on it, but again we're hopeful that they will flip it, so to say, and get it back on the tax rolls," said Macksey. "So technically, I don't have to ask you for permission, because it is a foreclosed property, but as I said before, I'd like to inform you of the good work that [Treasurer/Tax Collector] Jessica {Lincourt} is doing, and that we are moving these tax title properties through foreclosure, which we hate doing ...
"But this house has been vacant for a very long time, and we have a lot of complaints from the neighbors out there about this."
In answer to questions, Lincourt said 44 properties are currently in Land Court.
Cassidy Flynn scattered five hits in a complete-game effort in the circle as Lenox upset top-seeded Hoosac Valley, 3-2, in the quarter-finals of the Division 5 State Tournament. click for more
Brayden Durant struck out seven and walked one in a complete-game effort on the mound Saturday to pitch the Drury baseball team to a 6-0 win over Keefe Tech in the quarter-finals of the Division 5 State Tournament at Joe Wolfe Field. click for more
