This small study highlights the potential of using genetically modified viruses as a weapon to fight cancer.

I always wondered why we couldnt do something like this before, it seems theyve been working on it all along and this is a very positive step in the right direction.

I think well have the cancer problem solved before we can get rid of HIV/AIDs.

Is it wrong to think of how shafted the world will be if we solved the "big killers" in terms of the main human illnesses, diseases etc?

I know that if I had cancer or aids I probably wouldnt be saying that, but its kind of true.

Is it wrong to think of how shafted the world will be if we solved the "big killers" in terms of the main human illnesses, diseases etc?

I know that if I had cancer or aids I probably wouldnt be saying that, but its kind of true.

I think this story represents an important breakthrough and having worked in an oncology and haematology clinic for a year, I can honestly say cancer scares the bejesus out of me. Treatment for cancer is painful, dehibilitating and often undignified. The fact that many go through all this and still deteriorate until death is sad and shocking. I saw a bubbly 26 year olds life taken by cancer and THAT is why cancer cures are more important to medicine than many will ever realise.

I agree with Zpyder in principal.. Yes there are waaay to many homosapiens on this planet and I for one would welcome a huge population drop (1/3 would be a good start), but it will never happen. Not unless something like bird flu comes along... What a disappointment that was (from a saving the planet point of view).

Is it wrong to think of how shafted the world will be if we solved the "big killers" in terms of the main human illnesses, diseases etc?

I know that if I had cancer or aids I probably wouldnt be saying that, but its kind of true.

Dont worry, a percentage of the population will still eat/drink/smoke themselves to death, others will be killed by darwin, sadly with modern health and safety not as many as perhaps should be.

IMO we as a species need to cap reproduction and breed out genetic faults that are constantly being passed on.

Cancer isnt a typical disease though, for the reasons already highlighted. Nature has a good way of creating equilibrium when the population gets too big: viral epidemics. Cancer is a horrible thing and needs to be wiped out, there are faster, nicer big killers that will naturally cull us when we start to overrun the place.

I bagsy a good spot on Mars!