For decades scientists have known that people with Down syndrome, who have an extra copy of chromosome 21, get certain types of cancer at dramatically lower rates than normal. Now, by using stem cells derived from the skin of an individual with Down syndrome, researchers at Children's Hospital Boston have pinpointed the gene that appears to underlie the cancer-protective effect. The researchers say the results of their study may point to a promising new target for future cancer treatments. (source: technologyreview.com)
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