MP turns scientihst to join cancer fight (From Sutton Guardian)

MP Tom Brake becomes 'citizen scientist' for Cancer Research

9:00am Friday 8th March 2013 in News By Mike Pyle

An MP has joined the fight against cancer and wants you to get involved too.
 

Carshalton and Wallington MP Tom Brake took a turn on a new website which lets people become 'citizen scientists' and help cancer research.
 

Cell Slider TM is the first interactive website to let people analyse real archive cancer research.
 

At the moment, the process of analysing microscope images of cancer cells to identify which molecules within them are harmful is painstakingly slow.
 

Cell Slider TM, developed by Cancer Research UK, allows members of the public to help by matching certain molecules in slides of real cancer cells, cutting the scientists' workload.
 

Mr Brake said: "Research is the best weapon against cancer. I encourage everyone in Carshalton and Wallington to get involved with this exciting project and help Cancer Research UK’s doctors and scientists in their battle against all cancers.
 

"I have visited the website and found it very intuitive and easy to use. Everyone can play their part in helping to beat cancer, at a click of a button and from the comfort of their own homes."
 

Cancer Research UK’s executive director of policy and information, Sarah Woolnough, said: "Every step we make towards beating cancer relies on the support of the public, so we hope would-be ‘citizen scientists’ in Carshalton and Wallington will really get behind this campaign.
 

"We’re so pleased to have the support of Tom Brake MP with raising awareness, as there’s still so much more we need to do to ensure no-one’s life is cut short by cancer. But by boosting our ability to analyse data quickly with the help of ‘citizen scientists’, our world-class research teams will be able to develop better ways to prevent, control and cure the disease and help save many more lives."
 

To find out more about how to support Cancer Research UK, please visit cruk.org.