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Science Friday > Archives > 2003 > October
> October 24, 2003:
Hour One: Breast
Cancer News / Twins Surgery / Brian Greene
Research published
this week in the journal Science points to a significant role for
genetics in the development of breast and ovarian cancer. Researchers
looking at women whose genomes contained mutations in genes dubbed
BRCA1 and BRCA2 found that women with inherited mutations in either
of the genes have a lifetime risk of breast cancer of more than 80
percent. The women were also at a high risk of developing ovarian
cancer. However, the researcers also found that women who exercised
and maintained an 'appropriate' weight during adolescence could delay
the onset of breast cancer. We'll find out more about the research,
and talk about what it means.
Then, we'll look at a
series of surgeries being planned to separate Clarence and Carl
Aguirre, 18-month-old twins who were born connected at the top
of their heads.
This week, the twins left the hospital after the first in a schedule
of surgeries that could take months to complete. We'll talk to
some of their surgeons about the procedure, and the twins' prospects. |
Positioned here to show 18-month-old Carl, the clear model (left)
is of bone and veins, the white model is of the skin. Image
Copyright 2003 Montefiore Medical Center, Photos by Alice Attie.
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Plus, we'll talk with physicist Brian Greene about the latest in cosmology,
string theory, and extra dimensions. Call in with your questions and
comments at 1-800-989-8255 (2-3 Eastern), and share your opinions online
in our Listeners' Lounge (registration required).
Guests:
Elizabeth Swisher
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Department of Obstetrics
and Gynecology
Director, Breast and Ovarian Cancer Prevention Program
University of Washington
School of Medicine
Gynecological Oncologist, Seattle
Cancer Care Alliance
Seattle, Washington
Dr. James Goodrich
Pediatric Neurosurgeon
Children's Hospital at Montefiore
Medical Center
New York, New York
Dr. David Staffenberg
Chief, Pediatric Plastic Surgery
Children's Hospital at Montefiore
Medical Center
New York, New York
Brian Greene
Physicist, Columbia University
Author, "The
Elegant Universe: Superstrings, Hidden Dimensions, and the Quest for
the Ultimate Theory"
Host, NOVA-PBS Series
"The Elegant Universe"
New York, New York
Books/Articles Discussed:
Related Links:
- National
Breast Cancer Awareness Month increasing early breast cancer detection
awareness
OncoLink
Cancer.gov
- Breast Cancer Home Page
Montefiore
Conjoined Twins Frequently Asked Questions
BBC
- Horizon - Conjoined Twins
TWINSTUFF.COM--Conjoined
Twins
NOVA
| The Elegant Universe | PBS
String Theory web site
The Second
Superstring Revolution
Washington
Post article: A Short Course in String Theory (with No Equations)
This segment produced by Annette Heist
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