University of Cambridge Team Creates Virtual Reality Map of Tumor

A graduate of Dartmouth College with a bachelor of arts in psychology, Darcy Cardarelli draws on more than three decades of programming experience to develop a website that will offer stories to inspire people affected by cancer, the loss of a loved one, and other hardships. Darcy Cardarelli is particularly interested in cancer research and innovations that help improve these efforts. 

In late 2018, scientists at the University of Cambridge made new strides to improving research capabilities through a virtual reality (VR) cancer model that allows them to study tumors from any angle and examine cells on an individual level. According to the team, this endeavor will serve to expand the understanding of cancer and facilitate the development of new treatment methods. Funding for the project came from a $45 million Cancer Research UK grant awarded to Cambridge in 2017. 

To create the VR model, scientists take a tumor sample from a real patient and slice it into wafer-thin biopsy slices. The slices are then scanned with markers to analyze their DNA characteristics and molecular make up. This data enables researchers to build a 3D map of the tumor, which they can inspect while wearing 3D virtual-reality headsets. Additionally, the image gives scientists the opportunity to advance their knowledge of a tumor’s geography.

Three Ways Positive Thinking Can Help People Cope with Cancer

The former president of SOTAS International, Darcy Cardarelli has more than four decades of experience in computer programming and software creation. Darcy Cardarelli draws on this background in the development of AlwaysHaveHeart.com, a website featuring inspirational stories to help people with cancer, the loss of a loved one, and other hardships. 

Accounts of triumphs and successes can boost positive thinking, which evidence suggests can help individuals cope with a cancer diagnosis. The following list describes a few of the benefits of positive thinking. 

Offers stress relief
Maintaining a positive outlook can help lower blood pressure and relieve the stress and anxiety that come with a diagnosis and necessary treatment. No amount of worry changes the reality of a diagnosis, but positive thinking can allow a person to focus on the factors they can control. This can range from looking into support groups to participating in activities hat foster endurance against treatment side effects. 

Contributes to lower readmission after procedures
According to research by a team at Ohio State University’s Comprehensive Cancer Center, good mental health may affect hospital readmission and length of stay. Their study examined readmission and stay rates on patients who underwent a hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). The results demonstrated that the risk was higher in those with depression, low optimism, and other psychological issues prior to the procedure. 

Promotes treatment management
Positive thinking can help people with cancer manage their treatment plans and maintain communication with their care team. Additionally, it provides motivation to engage in activities that promote endurance.

It is important to remember that the benefits of positive thinking on cancer can only manifest if the desire comes from within and when paired with allowing oneself to feel a full range of emotions. Constant reminders to stay positive can pressure people to feel a certain way and deny themselves time to grieve.