Settings
Save and close
The chances are high that you already know or will know someone who will have cancer… but how does cancer form?
It all starts with our cells. The cells in our body normally grow and multiply to form new cells as our body needs them. Sometimes this process breaks down, and dividing cells acquire DNA variants that may cause them to grow abnormally. This growth can lead to cancer. Cancer is a disease that results when some cells in our body lose important functions. Cancers are dangerous because of the way that tumors grow and spread.
Since cells grow and replicate faster within tumors, the chance that damaged cells will accumulate more DNA variants increases. This, in-turn, can grow the size and speed of a tumor’s development. These features of cancer make it difficult to study, as cancer is not just one disease, but many collections of DNA variants, varying from person to person, organ to organ. Despite these challenges, the research community remains strong, creative, and dedicated to finding treatments, and more people are surviving cancer than ever before.
In the 15-minute JAX Online MicroLesson, "The Promise of Cancer Genomics," you'll explore current clinical practices and frontiers for the future of cancer research, diagnosis and treatment. Enroll now to learn the advantages of using genomic-based strategies in the fight against cancer!
Endometriosis is a fairly common gynecological condition that affects 200 million people with uteruses worldwide. So what is this condition, exactly, and what can be done about it?
View more
We all want to live long lives, but not at the expense of our health!
View more
The trillions of bacteria, fungi and viruses that live on the skin all over our bodies is part of the microbiome.
View more
Discover what genetic resilience is and how our genetic makeup can protect us from disease in this Minute to Understanding from The Jackson Laboratory!
View more
Mutations in our genes can cause life-threatening diseases, and sometimes there is no drug or surgery available for your doctor to prescribe. Enter gene therapy.
View more
Learn how epigenetic changes can affect an individual — without physically changing their DNA sequence.
View more
The difference between genetics and genomics is not just the letter "O."
View more
Every person in the world is different. We all have physical characteristics and quirks that make us unique. But what, biologically, makes us who we are?
View more
Discover what DNA is and how it serves as the genetic instruction manual for life. Learn how DNA sequences determine traits and pass heritable information from one generation to the next.
View more
What are telomeres? Telomeres are structures made from DNA sequences and proteins found at the ends of chromosomes. They cap and protect the end of a chromosome like the end of a shoelace.
View more
Explore bite-sized science with Minute to Understanding. Quick, easy-to-remember videos simplify complex scientific terms and breakthroughs. Perfect for staying informed on the latest advancements.
View more
Explore DNA variants and discover how mutations during DNA replication make each organism unique. Learn about their role in genetic variation and their potential impact on life.
View more
Discover the role of chromosomes in cell division and genetic data storage. Learn how these DNA-packed structures enable proper cell function and ensure life’s continuity.
View more