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Hospitals Look to a Nuclear Tool to Fight Cancer
The feed points us to a NYTimes article about hospitals using particle accelerators to treat cancer. While expensive, proponents say that the proton beams generated by the accelerators are more precise than conventional X-ray radiation therapy. This results in fewer side effects and reduced irradiation of surrounding tissue. The technology's critics say that the cost is not justified by a measurable increase in the level of care given to the patients. Nevertheless, this is an excellent example of "pure scientific research" leading to a useful, unrelated technique. From the NYTimes:
"Tumors in or near the eye, for instance, can be eradicated by protons without destroying vision or irradiating the brain. Protons are also valuable for treating tumors in brains, necks and spines, and tumors in children, who are especially sensitive to the side effects of radiation."
As another unrelated side benefit, you can strap it to your back and use it to catch ghosts.
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Focused protons would likely give you better superpowers, too. I mean, we all know what gamma rays do, and I, for one, don't want to prance around with green skin and purple short shorts when I'm angry.
Vincent J. Murphy
Spandex Justice
Oh my gosh! The FDA probably didn't realize that you disagree with the findings of the medical research! I'll let them know right away! We must get this information into the hands of oncologists immediately!