Congratulations to Joe Floramo, Ph.D., and Nathan Spix, Ph.D., who recently earned their Ph.D.s in molecular and cellular biology from Van Andel Institute Graduate School. Their curiosity, dedication and hard work have shaped them into exceptional scientists, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for them. (fb)

For scientists like Dr. Scott Rothbart, the same strategies that cancer cells use to survive also are powerful opportunities for developing new treatments. But first, scientists need to understand the many ways cancer protects itself — and how those defensive layers interact. “Designing new cancer strategies is like that old arcade game Whack-A-Mole,” Rothbart explains. “For each vulnerability we identify, cancer has another trick up its sleeve to dodge detection and resist treatment. Our goal is to find ways to treat multiple targets at once so that cancer doesn’t have a chance to rally and try again.” A study led by Rothbart and his team sheds light on how interwoven epigenetic layers work together to sustain cancer cell survival. Their findings reveal a potential weak spot that could be leveraged to improve treatment. https://www.vai.org/article/pinpointing-weaknesses-in-cancers-armor/ (fb)