Cancer Research Using Coral Extractions

[Katkay92]

Hi, my name is Katrina Koon. I am a high school student from Stuyvesant High School and am conducting research on corals and cancer. The goal of my research is to find cancer cures (for cancers such as melanoma) originating from corals.

However, my limiting factor at the moment is not having enough coral. A professor from Hunter college assisting me with this research project suggested I have about .5 kg of coral. I am working with Capnella imbricata. Though the coral grows quite easily, I still cannot meet the suggested amount.
Would anyone be able to donate any Capnella imbricata or anything that looks like it? I will be using DNA to try and identify the corals.

Thank You for Your Time.

Sincerely,
Katrina

 

[masterswimmer]

Katrina, welcome to Manhattan Reefs. Best of luck on your very aggressive undertaking. May your thesis be proven without any reasonable doubt. Do I hear Nobel Prize?

Anyway, on a more serious note, I don't know many reefers on the board that do maintain any type of Capnella in any abundance. Now that I've posted here, I'll continue to follow along to monitor your success. If I can locate any I'd be happy to donate it to your wonderful cause.

In addition to the members on Manhattan Reefs, you can also try the members right across the river in the NJRC (New Jersey Reef Club). I'm told that even some of those Jerseyites might have a sliver of a heart left in their cold clamy bodies. j/k :grouphug:

Once again, best of luck on your thesis.
Russ

 

[Sumbub]

Good luck in your endeavor and may your research be a breakthrough each and every cancer patient is waiting for.

 

[noodleman]

0.5 kg of capnella shouldn't been to big of a challenge, unless you want dry weight. Living kenya tree corals full of water should weigh plenty and they grow like weeds in many tanks. I'm sure some one will have some for you

If this is a long last project you can always try and isolate a small sample of DNA, sequence it and then design primers for a PCR and amplify it. But that's a major challenge

 

[TimberTDI]

Well I guess that's one way to spend your summer.:bablefish

 

[Awibrandy]

Wonderfull endeavor Katrina!

What if everyone that has capnellas in their tanks donates a little?

I can probably give you 1 or 2 small trees.... Will you be driving around picking up the Kenya trees from the members able and willing to help?

PM me if you accept my offer. Best wishes on your endeavors..

 

[cybermeez]

Kenya trees grow like weeds! Somebody here is bound to have some extra to donate.