LONDON: At Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Professor Carlos Caldas leads a team searching for the genes that malfunction as breast cancer develops. The scientists analyze the genetic makeup of thousands of tumor samples, searching for genetic signatures of the disease.
Their aim is to improve the way that breast cancer is detected, monitored and treated.
Professor Caldas is focused on identifying the gene faults and variations that are important in predicting the success or failure of cancer treatments. Armed with such knowledge, doctors could be in a much better position when it comes to deciding which treatment will be most effective for each patient.
Understanding more about these genes could also help scientists develop new breast cancer treatments that target the specific faults driving the disease.
The Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute (CRUK CI) focuses on tackling questions relating to cancer diagnosis, treatment and prevention, supported by world-class core scientific facilities.
The Institute is located on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus close to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, the University of Cambridge teaching hospital, and many collaborating institutes, including the MRC Laboratory for Molecular Biology, the MRC Cancer Unit and the Cambridge Institute for Medical Research.
It was back in 2012 that scientists in Cambridge, led by Professor Caldas, made a groundbreaking discovery about the complex nature of breast cancer. They classified the disease into ten types based on the genetic fingerprints of women’s tumors, following up with a more detailed study in 2014. In the future this knowledge will allow doctors to match each person to the treatment most likely to successfully tackle their cancer.
The 2012 ‘METABRIC’ (Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium) study, entailed subjecting some 1000 tumor samples to a variety of analytical techniques. The research team identified ten subtypes of breast cancer which they called integrative clusters or ‘IntClust subtypes’. They followed up by checking if the subtypes could be spotted using just one of these techniques – measuring the activity levels of genes within the samples (known as expression levels).
Doctors need a test with enough detail to accurately spot which ‘type’ of breast cancer a patient has – a test which needs to be simple and cheap enough to be reproduced around the world. The team picked a list of 612 genes from the original study. Next they used the initial 1000-odd METABRIC samples to ‘train’ a computer program to spot the 10 subtypes based on how active the 612 genes were.
To check the computer had ‘learnt’ correctly, they used the InClust system to analyze another collection of around 1000 tumors from the original study. Crucially, the gene activity data from the second set of samples was accurately grouped into the 10 distinct subtypes.
“We wanted to really test the accuracy of the system. So we tried it out on as many collections of breast cancer samples – or ‘datasets’ – as possible,” says Dr. Raza Ali, lead scientist on the new study.
“Only by challenging our system in this way can we confirm the accuracy of the 10 IntClust subtypes.”
On a study-by-study basis the team turned to the gigabytes of data available from studies around the world, encompassing over 7,500 breast tumors from more than 40 studies, and set about grouping these samples.
The same 10 subtypes emerged once again from each study, confirming their 2012 findings – the IntClust system is a ‘real’ phenomenon.
The team then looked at how well their IntClust system performed against two other genetic tests for breast cancer. The first – called PAM50 – splits breast tumor samples into five groups, and the second – known as SCMGENE – identifies four groups.
The IntClust system performed just as well as the other tests at predicting how patients responded to treatment, and how well they fared in terms of survival, across each of the external studies.
They also made some important new discoveries that could focus further research. “We found that one rare subtype of breast cancer appears very resistant to treatment,” says Ali.
“By looking at the genetic data we can gather important information about what’s driving these deadly tumors, which could be used to develop new targeted treatments in the future.”
Their work provides an important focus for future research, opening up the possibility of a new ‘genetic Sat Nav’ to help explore this complex map of breast cancer, and bring new experimental treatments to future patients who could benefit.
Leading Cambridge Institute research team open up future treatment pathways for breast cancer
Leading Cambridge Institute research team open up future treatment pathways for breast cancer
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Whoa Tea’ in Riyadh
- Whoa Tea is more than just a tea shop; it is a welcoming space where you can unwind with friends or enjoy a solitary moment
Whoa Tea, a tea shop that originated in China, has made its way to Riyadh, bringing with it a vibrant array of Asian beverages and desserts.
Nestled on Tahalia Street in Sulaimaniya district, the cozy cafe specializes in bubble tea and offers a range of delectable mochi, making it a must-visit for dessert enthusiasts.
Upon entering Whoa Tea, you are greeted by an inviting atmosphere characterized by charming decor and a relaxing vibe. The cafe is well equipped for social gatherings, featuring board games that encourage fun times with friends. Each table is conveniently outfitted with power outlets, making it an ideal spot for those looking to work or study while enjoying a refreshing drink.
The menu boasts a variety of milk teas, with flavors perfectly balanced for those who prefer a less sugary experience. The brown sugar boba is particularly noteworthy, striking a harmony between sweetness and flavor without overwhelming the palate. Another standout is the matcha jasmine boba, which offers a delightful floral note that complements the rich matcha base.
Desserts at Whoa Tea are equally impressive. The strawberry lava cake and mango lava cake are highlights, both providing a balanced sweetness that enhances their flavors. The matcha cheese drink is a unique offering, featuring high-quality matcha that delivers a smooth, slightly bitter finish, indicative of authentic ceremonial-grade powder.
The staff are friendly and attentive, often providing recommendations based on customer preferences. This personal touch, combined with the cafe’s careful selection of fresh ingredients, elevates the overall experience.
Whoa Tea is more than just a tea shop; it is a welcoming space where you can unwind with friends or enjoy a solitary moment. With its diverse range of boba flavors, exquisite desserts and cozy ambiance, this is a hidden gem in Riyadh that I cannot wait to revisit. Whether you are a boba aficionado or a casual visitor, this cafe promises a memorable experience.
For more details, check Instagram @whoa_tea.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Ashbiz’ Uzbek cuisine in Riyadh
- Ashbiz is a pocket-friendly option for anyone who enjoys that home-cooked feel to their food
Ashbiz is a great spot for Uzbek cuisine, offering a rich and flavorful array of foods that combines influences from Central Asia and the Middle East.
The menu is small but full of dishes that burst with flavor, including a favorite of mine, chicken bukhari, which originated in the ancient city of Bukhara.
Bukhari, which can be made with beef, lamb or chicken, is served hot and packs a punch with its aromatic spices like cumin, cardamom and cinnamon.
Noodles are a key feature of Uzbek cuisine and the hand-pulled variety created at Ashbiz are key to its lag’mon: a delicious dish that combines beef or lamb with vegetables in a hearty broth.
Another favorite is the samsa, a tasty bun stuffed with spiced meat and vegetables, which resemble the samosa, but instead of being fried is baked in the oven.
The menu also includes manto — a popular handmade steamed dumpling stuffed with a choice of pumpkin or meat and a unique blend of spices — and shish barak soup which has small dumplings.
Ashbiz is a pocket-friendly option for anyone who enjoys that home-cooked feel to their food.
The restaurant has outlets in Riyadh’s Taawun district and the Mohammadiya district of Jeddah.
Black limes: a unique staple of Middle Eastern and North African cuisine
- Dried citrus adds zesty kick to dishes
- Originated as a way to preserve fruit in hot climes
RIYADH: Anyone who has not yet dived into the world of black limes is in for a treat. Known in English as dried limes or black lemons, these intriguing ingredients are referred to as noomi basra in Iraq, limoo amani in Iran, and loomi in Saudi Arabia and Oman.
They are a must-have for elevating culinary creations and have graced dishes across the Middle East and North Africa for more than 1,000 years. It’s about time they were brought into every kitchen.
So, what exactly are black limes? Think of them as the sophisticated cousins of fresh limes. They undergo a transformation process: first, they are packed in salt, and then they bask in the sun until they turn a striking black.
The result is a hard, dried fruit that delivers a remarkable burst of flavor.
When it comes to taste, black limes pack a powerful punch. The flavor is a harmonious blend of sour and slightly sweet, rounded out by a touch of bitterness.
“It was a game-changer to realize that (adding black lime) isn’t just about adding tanginess to a dish — it’s a full-on spice with a smoky aroma and earthy notes that bring out so much flavor,” Shadia Al-Bayat — a home cook from Qatif — told Arab News.
“Beyond that, it’s packed with nostalgia, calling to mind traditional Gulf dishes like seafood, grilled meats, and hearty stews. It’s also the key to the signature hot ‘loomi’ tea, a staple at traditional gatherings and celebrations,” Al-Bayat added.
FASTFACTS
• Black limes are packed in salt and then they bask in the sun until they turn a striking black.
• They add a zesty kick to Saudi dishes; they originated as a way to preserve fruit in hot climate.
This unique profile makes them perfect for enhancing stews, tagines and a variety of other dishes. A black lime added to a cooking pot will instantly elevate any meal.
Cooks can get creative with black limes. They can be used whole or crushed into powder, allowing for versatility.
Imagine a flavorful tagine or a warming soup that gets a delightful kick from a black lime. If preferred, the lime can be removed before serving, but leaving it in adds an appealing touch.
For something refreshing, blend black limes into limonana, a delightful drink that combines lemon and mint, perfect for quenching thirst.
And for something soothing, consider brewing some dried lime tea — a comforting drink that can settle the stomach and provide a sense of warmth.
They also make excellent additions to marinades for meats and fish, giving dishes a fantastic zest.
In Saudi cuisine, loomi is a prized ingredient that adds a distinctive tangy flavor to traditional dishes.
In kabsa, a popular rice dish, black lime is added whole or ground to add acidity and elevate the dish’s depth.
Black limes have a history that dates back centuries. They are believed to have originated in the Middle East and North Africa, where they were a valued ingredient in ancient cooking.
Historically, they were prized not just for their flavor, but also for their ability to preserve food in the warm climate. Over time, dried limes became a staple in various cuisines, with each culture adding its own flair to their use.
Today, they are recognized for their versatility and are celebrated in dishes in many cultures.
Beyond their culinary charm, black limes come with health benefits, too. Packed with vitamin C, calcium and potassium, they are a nutritious addition to any diet.
Black limes are a cultural staple. While they share ties with fresh limes, black limes have a distinct personality, bringing an intriguing bitterness and complexity to dishes.
They can even be spotted in spice blends like baharat, because a little extra flavor never hurt anyone.
Black limes are a unique and flavorful ingredient that can bring depth to cooking and are worth adding to any culinary repertoire to impress the taste buds.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Yum-A-Sama’ – a sushi spot in Riyadh
- Pricing is reasonable, making it an attractive option for regular orders
Yum-A-Sama has quickly established itself as one of the top sushi spots in Riyadh, operating as a cloud kitchen that consistently delivers fresh treats.
The raw salmon is incredibly delicious, and the tuna is equally impressive. A must-try item on the menu is the torch salmon nigiri. Each dish showcases the freshness of the ingredients, making it a delight for sushi lovers.
In addition to sushi, Yum-A-Sama offers a variety of salad bowls that are generously portioned. Options include crab salad, chicken salad, and a veggie salad bowl for those seeking vegetarian choices. This variety ensures that there’s something for everyone, whether you’re in the mood for sushi or a refreshing salad.
Pricing is reasonable, making it an attractive option for regular orders. I find myself ordering from them twice a week because the quality remains consistent, and the food is always fresh. This reliability is a significant factor in why many customers keep returning.
Yum-A-Sama also features some unique signature dishes that are worth exploring.
Items like the spicy mango sushi, sunset salmon, special crab, samurai fry, and pink tara are just a few of the creative offerings that set this restaurant apart from others in the area.
For convenience, Yum-A-Sama can be easily ordered through popular delivery apps, allowing customers to enjoy their favorite dishes without hassle.
Overall, the combination of quality, variety, and reasonable pricing makes this outlet a go-to choice for those craving delicious sushi in Riyadh.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Enabah’ restaurant
There is a certain art to mastering hospitality and creating memories, which requires attention to detail and providing your guests with the perfect array of food to swoon over.
Enabah restaurant in Riyadh specializes in appetizer boxes of authentic Mediterranean food, making it an ideal choice for any type of gathering.
The boxes are offered in small, medium and large options with a variety of starters including grape leaves, stuffed cabbage, onions and kibbeh.
There are also classic and spicy grape leaves, the perfect savory dish. Often, grape leaves are a little too sour or acidic, prone to causing discomfort, but Enabah has perfected the balance of salty and tangy.
A particular attraction on the menu is cheddar jalapeno kibbeh and meat kibbeh, the national dish of Syria and Lebanon. Kibbeh is usually prepared as a combination of bulgur cracked wheat, onions, and minced meat which could be beef, goat, lamb or camel.
At Enabah they have their own twist with a vegetarian option. This is a cheddar jalapeno, which is crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside.
Their stuffed cabbage is a mixture of beef, rice and spices — a perfect lighter option for those who do not prefer fried foods.
To get more bang for your buck, bigger boxes are recommended, as the smaller ones perhaps have too little food. For SR165 ($43), you can get the Large Mixed Box, with the option of four to eight appetizers.
You can cleanse your palette with one of Enabah’s fresh juices and creamy smoothies. The menu has lemon mint, pomegranate and orange juices, cocktail smoothies, and Awar Qalb, a mix of milk, strawberry, banana and mango.
Enabah is available to order through delivery applications including The Chefz and HungerStation.
