Researchers led by Dr. Robert A. Weinberg of the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research have made the first genetically defined human cancer cells, according to a report published in the July 29 issue of Nature. This achievement brings scientists one step closer to understanding the complex process by which human cells become cancerous.

The complete release is available from the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research. Christopher Counter, now at Duke University Medical Center, was co-lead author of the paper. For more information contact Joanna Downer at (919) 684-4148.