Touchpoint 1
Enzyme discovery paves the way for developing universal donor blood
What is it?
There are four types of blood – A, B, AB and O. Right now, to get a blood transfusion, doctors need to match your blood type. But scientists think there is a way to use enzymes to remove the A and B parts of blood and make universal donor blood. This processed blood would be compatible with all types.
Potential message to students:
How many of you have donated blood? What would it take for you to donate blood? Do you know your own blood type? Do you think people should have a card in their wallet with their blood type to save time at the ER?
Touchpoint 2
U.S. federally qualified health centers show cancer screening gaps
What is it?
Underserved populations are not getting cancer screenings at the same rate as the overall population. The federal government has low-cost health centers, but citizens are still not getting the recommended screenings.
Potential message for students:
Do you think this is because different segments of the population have different trust levels in doctors? Do you think people may be afraid to get bad news and avoid screenings? Do you think they believe they won’t get good treatments, so it’s better not to know?
Touchpoint 3
Subjective Language May Muddle Data Interpretation in Oncology Conferences
What is it?
When researchers write up papers for publication, they use language that implies their cancer treatment discoveries are safe. But when other researchers go to look at the data, they see plenty of adverse effects listed.
Potential message to students:
Do you think research publications only want good news? If someone proves a previous paper was wrong, do you think the correction will be published? If a study shows very dangerous outcomes, will a publication publish it as a warning to readers?