YSM Issue 90.1

3
The year began with the thrilling discovery of gravitational waves. We said that
was just the beginning, and indeed what a year it has been for science and for us
at the Yale Scientific. From breakthroughs in cancer therapy in To Immunity and
Beyond (89.2) to advances in quantum computing in Welcome to the Quantum Age
(89.3) to new approaches to art restoration in Decko Gecko (89.4), it has been an
absolute joy sharing these fascinating scientific stories with you, our readers.
On this issue’s cover, we are excited to feature research conducted at Yale that
harnesses nanotechnology to target drugs to cancer cells with greater potency and
fewer side effects (pg. 15). Not to be outdone, another Yale team has discovered a
new drug candidate for lung cancer that acts through a novel mechanism (pg. 8).
Meanwhile, across the Pacific Ocean, a group of researchers in Melbourne are exploring
a novel approach to treating antibiotic-resistant bacteria (pg. 30).
This year also marks the 150th anniversary of the Yale Peabody Museum (pg. 25).
Museums like the Peabody inspire awe with their remarkable collections of fossils
and minerals. Easier to forget is the fascinating research that goes on behind the
scenes. The intriguing tale of the Tully Monster, a fantastic creature that has finally
been assigned its proper place in the tree of life, pays tribute to those efforts (pg. 20).
In many ways, the past holds insights for the present. In this issue, we dive into
the changes in carbon dioxide levels that have taken place across geologic time as
volcanic activity rose and fell. What we see is troubling, with surging carbon dioxide
levels driving a majority of species to extinction (pg. 12). As greenhouse gas levels
continue to rise, we evaluate where we stand today (pg. 4) and report on the quest
for cleaner sources of energy (pg. 10).
We worry about the future of climate change research as a new administration
takes over in January. Still, we take heart in the progress that scientists and engineers
around the world have already made, and we remain quietly optimistic that
scientists will respond to the increased urgency for clean-energy solutions with a
wave of innovation.
At our magazine, it is also time for us to pass on the baton to a new masthead.
We are struck by their boundless energy and their refreshing ideas, and we have full
confidence that they will carry this publication to greater heights.
Thank you for reading these pages. It has been our privilege and pleasure.
Yale Scientific
Established in 1894
THE NATION’S OLDEST COLLEGE SCIENCE PUBLICATION
DECEMBER 2016 VOL. 90 NO. 1 | $6.99
STICKING
IT TO
CANCER
FIGHTING TUMORS
WITH NANOPARTICLES
F R O M T H E E D I T O R
A B O U T T H E A R T
Lionel Jin
Editor-in-Chief
The cover, designed by arts editor Ashlyn Oakes, shows
the artist’s interpretation of nanoparticles as they deliver
drugs to cancerous endometrial cells. Endometrial cancer
is resistant to many forms of chemotherapy and must
be combated using powerful drugs which often have severe
side-effects. In order to relieve some of those side
effects and increase drug potency, Yale researchers have
developed sticky nanoparticles that attach to the surface
of tumor cells, delivering drugs in a targeted fashion to
the tumor and promising safer, more effective treatments
to a debilitating disease.
Editor-in-Chief
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Yale Scientific
M A G A Z I N E
Established in 1894
DECEMBER 2016 VOL. 90 NO. 1
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