YSM Issue 90.1
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The year began with the thrilling discovery of gravitational waves. We said that<br />
was just the beginning, and indeed what a year it has been for science and for us<br />
at the Yale Scientific. From breakthroughs in cancer therapy in To Immunity and<br />
Beyond (89.2) to advances in quantum computing in Welcome to the Quantum Age<br />
(89.3) to new approaches to art restoration in Decko Gecko (89.4), it has been an<br />
absolute joy sharing these fascinating scientific stories with you, our readers.<br />
On this issue’s cover, we are excited to feature research conducted at Yale that<br />
harnesses nanotechnology to target drugs to cancer cells with greater potency and<br />
fewer side effects (pg. 15). Not to be outdone, another Yale team has discovered a<br />
new drug candidate for lung cancer that acts through a novel mechanism (pg. 8).<br />
Meanwhile, across the Pacific Ocean, a group of researchers in Melbourne are exploring<br />
a novel approach to treating antibiotic-resistant bacteria (pg. 30).<br />
This year also marks the 150th anniversary of the Yale Peabody Museum (pg. 25).<br />
Museums like the Peabody inspire awe with their remarkable collections of fossils<br />
and minerals. Easier to forget is the fascinating research that goes on behind the<br />
scenes. The intriguing tale of the Tully Monster, a fantastic creature that has finally<br />
been assigned its proper place in the tree of life, pays tribute to those efforts (pg. 20).<br />
In many ways, the past holds insights for the present. In this issue, we dive into<br />
the changes in carbon dioxide levels that have taken place across geologic time as<br />
volcanic activity rose and fell. What we see is troubling, with surging carbon dioxide<br />
levels driving a majority of species to extinction (pg. 12). As greenhouse gas levels<br />
continue to rise, we evaluate where we stand today (pg. 4) and report on the quest<br />
for cleaner sources of energy (pg. 10).<br />
We worry about the future of climate change research as a new administration<br />
takes over in January. Still, we take heart in the progress that scientists and engineers<br />
around the world have already made, and we remain quietly optimistic that<br />
scientists will respond to the increased urgency for clean-energy solutions with a<br />
wave of innovation.<br />
At our magazine, it is also time for us to pass on the baton to a new masthead.<br />
We are struck by their boundless energy and their refreshing ideas, and we have full<br />
confidence that they will carry this publication to greater heights.<br />
Thank you for reading these pages. It has been our privilege and pleasure.<br />
Yale Scientific<br />
Established in 1894<br />
THE NATION’S OLDEST COLLEGE SCIENCE PUBLICATION<br />
DECEMBER 2016 VOL. 90 NO. 1 | $6.99<br />
STICKING<br />
IT TO<br />
CANCER<br />
FIGHTING TUMORS<br />
WITH NANOPARTICLES<br />
F R O M T H E E D I T O R<br />
A B O U T T H E A R T<br />
Lionel Jin<br />
Editor-in-Chief<br />
The cover, designed by arts editor Ashlyn Oakes, shows<br />
the artist’s interpretation of nanoparticles as they deliver<br />
drugs to cancerous endometrial cells. Endometrial cancer<br />
is resistant to many forms of chemotherapy and must<br />
be combated using powerful drugs which often have severe<br />
side-effects. In order to relieve some of those side<br />
effects and increase drug potency, Yale researchers have<br />
developed sticky nanoparticles that attach to the surface<br />
of tumor cells, delivering drugs in a targeted fashion to<br />
the tumor and promising safer, more effective treatments<br />
to a debilitating disease.<br />
Editor-in-Chief<br />
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Yale Scientific<br />
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DECEMBER 2016 VOL. 90 NO. 1<br />
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