Have you ever wondered how cancer begins? Scientists in Australia have made an exciting new discovery that might help explain it.
The researchers looked at something called circular RNAs. These are tiny loops found in our cells. A team from Flinders University found that these circular RNAs might stick to our DNA—the body’s instruction manual—and cause changes that can lead to cancer.
To understand this better, the scientists studied blood samples from babies. They compared samples from babies who later developed a blood cancer called leukemia with those who stayed healthy. They found more of a certain type of circular RNA in the babies who got sick later on.
Why is this important? It could explain why some people get cancer while others don’t. If these circular RNAs can mess up the DNA, that might be how cancer begins. And if we know the cause, we can work on better treatments—or even ways to stop cancer before it starts.
Think of your DNA like your favorite storybook. If someone adds or removes a word, the story might not make sense anymore. That’s what these circular RNAs can do—they change the DNA instructions, which can make cells behave in strange and unhealthy ways. When cells stop working properly, it can lead to cancer.
Dr. Vanessa Conn, one of the researchers, said that many circular RNAs can work together and cause lots of changes to the DNA at once. This can quickly turn healthy cells into sick ones.
This is just the beginning of the discovery. The team is now studying how circular RNAs might be involved in other diseases too.
In Australia, many people suffer from leukemia. Doctors have known that some changes in DNA are linked to worse results in these patients. But they didn’t know how those changes happened. This study gives them a possible explanation.
Even though this research is new, it is a big step forward. It shows that there is still much to learn about our bodies. And every new discovery brings us closer to better ways to treat and prevent diseases like cancer.
If you care about cancer, please read studies about vitamin D and bowel cancer, and a cautionary note about peanuts and cancer.
For more health information, please see recent studies about the link between ultra-processed foods and cancer, and everyday foods to ward off pancreatic cancer.
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