The former "Meet the Press" host discussed dwindling confidence in Biden’s campaign on his podcast "The Chuck Toddcast" with Politico columnist Jonathan Martin. While floating potential exit paths for Biden to step down, both criticized Democratic Party members for refusing to publicly voice their concerns.
"The politicians of the Democratic Party in the last few days have shown that a lot of them don’t have the courage of their convictions. They simply aren’t going to stand up and say in public what they’ve been telling folks like us in private for years. This is not a new story," Martin said.
NBC's Chuck Todd suggested President Biden's diminishing mental ability is the "classic open secret" in politics.(Screenshot/NBC)
Todd recounted, "I had a cabinet secretary two years ago — two years ago — out of the blue asked me, ‘Do you really think he’s gonna? He can’t run again like this.’ And I said, ‘Well, you have more interaction with him than I do.’ And they said, ‘I don’t have a lot of interaction with him.’ This is a pretty senior cabinet secretary. This was two years ago."
He added, "It’s the classic open secret, the nonversation. It’s the story everybody knows, and that everybody was afraid to talk about."
Todd was also critical of Biden's insistence on staying in the race, arguing that this could change history’s view of the 46th president.
"Everything I’ve learned, it has made me rethink a lot of the Biden biography. I still can’t believe he ran for president in the first place, given that his family was in crisis in 2018. You look at what has happened, I can’t believe he has put his family through this. And now, looking at his behavior now, in clinging to this, I think the entire narrative on Joe Biden is gonna change. Everything’s been about his ambition, and his ambition comes first," he said.
"There is no evidence he can serve four years," he added, a sentiment expressed by ABC News' George Stephanopoulos on Tuesday.
Multiple Democrats have called on Biden to drop out of the race.(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Todd also called out the Biden administration for failing to understand why some Democrats are frustrated with the president.
"The issue you have is there’s been no self-reflection. There’s been no grace, if you will. He’s attacked his own party members without simply acknowledging, ‘I get it. I understand why you’re concerned,’" Todd said.
"The reason people are angry at him is not because they don’t like him. They’re angry at him because they’re afraid of Donald Trump. And the fact that he doesn’t acknowledge that feeling I think is why he’s not getting the benefit of the doubt from elected officials as he should," he added.
Todd criticized Biden for appearing to put ambition over the election.(Getty Images)
Since Biden’s first presidential debate against Trump back in June, House Reps. Angie Craig, D-Minn.; Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas; Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz.; Seth Moulton, D-Mass.; Mike Quigley, D-Ill.; Mikie Sherrill, D-N.J.; and Adam Smith, D-Wash., have called for Biden to withdraw from the race.
On Tuesday, Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., became the first Senate Democrat to remark that he did not believe Biden could win re-election in November.
Farmhouse Fixer: Camp Revamp ended after just four episodes, and HGTV fans are begging for more of the Jonathan Knight spinoff. The series found Jon, along with the help of his family, renovating a 12-acre, 10-cabin lakeside property in New Hampshire.
The project was emotional for Jon. He grew up vacationing at a lakeside cottage with his grandparents and wanted to create a similar vacation spot for families. The renovation came with serious challenges, from rodent infestations to mold to falling trees. Plus, Jonathan was feeling the pressure of finishing before he hit the road for a summer tour with New Kids on the Block.
Ultimately, he fell short of completing the renovations by his June deadline. Jon had plenty of help from his (scene-stealing) mother, sisters, brother Jordan, husband Harley, and Farmhouse Fixer costar Kristina Crestin, but he was able to finish only three of the cabins, plus the reception area and main house, where Jon and Harley will live.
Now, fans are asking for answers about the show's future. After all, there are seven more cabins to renovate. In a recent post about the show on HGTV's Instagram account, fans left messages like: "Just watched the finale, I WANT MORE, MUCH MORE!" "Not the season finale!! 🥺 Hope to see more seasons soon" and "I’m not thrilled that this is over."
We reached out to a representative for HGTV and were told there's "no word yet on season 2." The same is true for Farmhouse Fixer. HGTV has not yet announced if a season 4 is going to happen. For now, Jon will be focusing on his Magic Summer 2024 tour with NKOTB. We hope to see more of him on HGTV in the future!
Family members of a 3-year-old who died Tuesday night after being hit by a vehicle were driving that boy to a hospital when a medic unit intercepted them and took the child the rest of the way to Greene Memorial Hospital, Greene County Sheriff Scott Anger said Wednesday.
The child never regained consciousness and died of injuries suffered in the accident at the family’s home along North Bickett Road, the sheriff said.
Family members had called 911, which sent Greene County sheriff’s deputies and medics to the home about 7:30 p.m.
“They were trying to get the child to the hospital as fast as possible,” Anger told News Center 7. “The family was intercepted by the squad as they were on the phone, letting them know where they were at.”
Anger said the accident was just one of those situations where no one could have anticipated what happened.
“No one had any indication where the child was at that exact time and was not able to be seen. The resident was leaving to pull out of the gate and at that time unknowingly struck the child,” he said.
The situation has been a difficult one for everyone involved, the sheriff said, noting, “Our hearts just go out to the family.”.
No one likes to have to ever deal with anything like this, he said.
“And just trying to deal with a tragedy like this is unimaginable. . . .We just want to do everything we can to support them and the community and our deputies as they go through a tough situation like this.”
An investigation into what happened will continue, he said, stressing that his office has found nothing criminal. Everything investigators have found so far shows what happened to the child “was nothing other than a tragic accident,” the sheriff said.
Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for You Like It Darker by Stephen King.
Summary
Stephen King's latest collection of short stories and novellas, dubbed You Like It Darker, features a range of horrors. Some are more memorable than others.
"On Slide Inn Road" is the best short story of the collection, but King's novellas top the ranking.
Rattlesnakes is the scariest story in terms of traditional horror, but Danny Coughlin's Bad Dream is the best overall.
Stephen King's new book, You Like It Darker, is one of the biggest horror releases of 2024 — and many of the stories in this collection live up to the hype, though some are more memorable than others. You Like It Darker feels like a return to the author's roots, as he digs into tropes and themes that define his early work. He also revisits the characters and world of his 1981 novel, Cujo, something that will no doubt appeal to longtime fans.
True to its title, You Like It Darker explores the grimmer aspects of life. It doesn't shy away from horrific imagery and behavior, but traditional horror isn't the only thing this book has going for it. King delves into difficult but relatable subjects like grief and purpose, and he also swings wildly in the other direction, blending sci-fi and horror in several narratives. Everything from You Like It Darker is worth reading, but the varying lengths and themes of its stories make it so that some land better than others.
While Stephen King was responsible for some of the best horror and thrillers ever, he also has many recommendations for other authors' books.
12"The Turbulence Expert" (2018)
An Intriguing Premise That Doesn't Do Enough
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First published in Fright or Flight in 2018, "The Turbulence Expert" is one of King's stories that makes an appearance in You Like It Darker — and unfortunately, it's the weakest of the bunch. "The Turbulence Expert" follows a man who works for a mysterious organization that tasks him with boarding and saving rough flights. The main character's anxiety over their assignment is likely to keep readers on edge throughout this story, but it doesn't accomplish much beyond that. "The Turbulence Expert" boasts an intriguing concept, but it doesn't do enough with it.
"The Turbulence Expert" boasts an intriguing concept, but it doesn't do enough with it.
Readers will be left feeling like this narrative needs to be lengthier, spending more time on its world and characters. In fact, it would probably make a better novel than a short story. As it stands, it's difficult to care much about any of the characters in "The Turbulence Expert." It also doesn't feel like much happens, as there's an immediate expectation that Craig Dixon will save the plane. No questions about the organization he works for are ever answered, and all of these shortcomings make this the weakest tale in You Like It Darker.
11"Finn" (2022)
Too Many Unanswered Questions In This Bizarre Story
Initially published on Scribd in 2022, "Finn" is probably the trippiest story inYou Like It Darker. It follows the titular character as he's kidnapped by a bizarre group — one whose constant questions and tests leave him questioning reality. "Finn" is memorable, as the behavior of Finn's captors will leave readers as perplexed as King's lead. But like "The Turbulence Expert," this story leaves too many questions unanswered and doesn't fully land.
"Finn" is more entertaining than the 2018 story, but it isn't as clever as You Like It Darker's other inclusions. Its ending is probably the highlight of the entire narrative, as it drives home the question of what's real and what isn't. Unfortunately, that doesn't do enough to justify everything else that happens. Some explanation for the wild behavior Finn witnesses would be nice, though the lack of reason does make his captors seem more unhinged and terrifying.
10"Red Screen" (2021)
A Missed Opportunity To Dig Into Relevant Topics
"Red Screen" is a story originally published as an e-book in 2021, and it's one of the additions to You Like It Darker that blends sci-fi and horror. It almost feels like it shouldn't, though, as the narrative opens the door to explore so many relevant topics — then takes a sharp turn towards aliens instead. "Red Screen" opens with a man turning himself in for killing his wife, who he claims is no longer the woman he married. He believes an alien has taken over her body, and the ending of this story suggests he's correct.
"Red Screen" initially seems like a commentary on misinformation and domestic violence, but suggesting Leonard is right about his wife undoes a lot of the impact.
The twist ending of "Red Screen" is a bit fun, but it pales in comparison to what this story could have been. When Leonard admits to stabbing his wife, Detective Frank Wilson mocks him for believing conspiracy theories on the internet. Their conversation highlights the increasing tendency to believe anything the internet says, and it also draws attention to the ways people can be brainwashed and pushed towards violence. "Red Screen" initially seems like a commentary on misinformation and domestic violence, but suggesting Leonard is right about his wife undoes a lot of the impact.
9"Laurie" (2018)
Heartwarming & Honest (But Less Impactful)
Despite its focus on death and grief, "Laurie" is probably the most heartwarming story in You Like It Darker. That isn't something readers necessarily expect from a horror collection, but "Laurie" succeeds at keeping readers on edge and getting them emotionally invested. Originally published on stephenking.com in 2018, this tale follows a grieving widower named Lloyd as he comes to care for the puppy his sister foists upon him. When the two finally fall into a routine together, they discover the body of Lloyd's neighbor — and the massive alligator who kills him.
"Laurie" doesn't rely on twists or supernatural occurrences to scare readers; it simply places Lloyd and his beloved pup in harm's way, forcing them to face their own mortality. Readers must face the randomness and chance that accompanies life and death as well. "Laurie" is a more grounded horror tale, and it has a happy ending. This leaves less of an impact than King's scarier stories in You Like It Darker, but it does prove memorable and touching enough to avoid the bottom of a ranking.
8"Willie The Weirdo" (2022)
A Distinctly Unsettling Tale That Feels Too Familiar
Custom Image by Yeider Chacon
King's "Willie the Weirdo" appears in the Spring 2022 edition of Timothy McSweeney's Quarterly Concern, and like his other recent stories, it shows up in You Like It Darker. "Willie the Weirdo" is distinctly unsettling from the time it opens, and it must be praised for making readers so uncomfortable. The story follows a 10-year-old boy whose fascination with death and violence isolates him from almost everyone, including his parents and sister. The only person he gets along with is his dying grandfather, who tells him violent stories about wars he couldn't have possibly fought in.
"Willie the Weirdo" isn't the most gripping story in You Like It Darker, but its ending reveal perfectly pulls everything together.
The story's twist is that Willie's grandfather isn't exactly human. It appears he can inhabit another person's body when he's finished with his own, a fate he inflicts on Willie at the end. "Willie the Weirdo" isn't the most gripping story in You Like It Darker, but its ending reveal perfectly pulls everything together. That lands it above the stories from You Like It Darker that feel less focused. Unfortunately, its unlikable characters and the fact that it mirrors the twist from "Gramma" prevent it from ranking even higher. King has more unique and compelling tales in his new collection.
7"The Fifth Step" (2020)
Delightfully Short & To The Point
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First appearing in the March 2020 edition of Harper's Magazine, "The Fifth Step" is one of the shortest stories inYou Like It Darker. This makes it even more impressive that it packs such a powerful punch. "The Fifth Step" follows a retiree named Harold as he agrees to listen to the confessions of a recovering alcoholic named Jack. Jack must have this conversation as part of his journey for Alcoholics Anonymous, and his revelations are initially mild. They get darker as they continue, and it's not until it's too late that Harold realizes Jack's issues run deeper than alcoholism.
The reveal that Jack is a killer is a jarring one, and it sets "The Fifth Step" apart from some of You Like It Darker's less surprising stories. The underlying message of this tale — that it's impossible to know whether a stranger is a kind person or a killer — is harrowing, but it has an impact. "The Fifth Step" may not seem like much, but it will stick with readers after it's finished. That's the sign of a good story, and King nails it with this one, even if it doesn't boast the emotional investment of You Like It Darker's top six narratives.
6"On Slide Inn Road" (2020)
The Best Short Story From You Like It Darker
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"On Slide Inn Road" is the best short story fromYou Like It Darker, though it doesn't compare to King's novellas. This tale, published in Esquire in 2020, sees a family driving their car into a ditch on the way to visit their dying relative. As Frank and Corinne Brown attempt to turn their car around, their kids discover the titular Slide Inn. One of them also finds a body, and he soon runs into the two men responsible for putting it there.
These men attempt to rob and kill the Browns, but their grandfather manages to save the day. He tricks the killers into letting him into the trunk, promising a monetary reward. Instead, Grandpop pulls out a baseball bat and uses it to protect his family. "On Slide Inn Road" offers a narrative that will leave readers cheering, which doesn't happen often in You Like It Darker. It's also tense and surprisingly violent, making for a memorable ride all around. Unfortunately, it isn't as scary as King's novellas inYou Like It Darker, nor does it sell readers on the characters as much as these longer works.
5The Dreamers (2024)
A Frightening Novella That Leaves Readers Wanting
Like all of King's novellas in You Like It Darker, The Dreamers is newly published for the collection. Its eerie narrative makes for a better horror tale than the book's short stories, though it's the weakest of the long-form ones. The Dreamers follows a Vietnam veteran named William as he agrees to work as a typist for a mad scientist. This scientist wants to push past the barrier of reality using dreams, and he doesn't stop when otherworldly forces make it obvious that he should.
William watches as things get out of control — and eventually turn deadly — and this makes for a nail-biting narrative. The imagery described throughout The Dreamers is disturbing, rendering it one of the most frightening additions to You Like It Darker. Unfortunately, the lack of explanation for what William witnesses leaves readers with more questions than answers. The characters' motivations also don't feel fully fleshed out, which makes it difficult to get too invested in this story. In this regard, King's other novellas leave a more lasting impression.
4Two Talented Bastids (2024)
A Strong Opener With Existential Horror
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Two Talented Bastids is the opening story ofYou Like It Darker, and it isn't exactly scary — at least not in the traditional sense. It follows Mark, the son of a famous author, as he uncovers the truth about his father's overnight success. This truth involves aliens, and while they aren't the biggest or most unsettling part of this story, they do make for an intriguing sci-fi twist. What's more haunting about Two Talented Bastids is its approach to talent and passion. Its bleak commentary on these topics delivers on the existential horror. This is a tale writers and artists will appreciate.
What's more haunting about Two Talented Bastids is its approach to talent and passion. Its bleak commentary on these topics delivers on the existential horror.
Two Talented Bastids may not be the most tense or terrifying story in You Like It Darker, but it's a strong opener, and it will hook readers from page one. Its observations about purpose and passion are fascinating, and they'll require readers to keep their highlighters out at all times. In addition to having some of the best quotes from You Like It Darker,Two Talented Bastids also boasts some of the most likable characters. It's one of King's top stories in this collection, though its lack of scares and so-so approach to aliens prevents it from breaking into the top three.
3Rattlesnakes (2024)
A True Stephen King Horror Story With Callbacks To Cujo
A sequel of sorts to Cujo,Rattlesnakes is undeniably the scariest story inYou Like It Darker — and for some, that would make it the best. Rattlesnakes follows Vic Trenton decades after Tad's death, and it finds him facing a haunting in Florida. While he's staying at a friend's home, he unwillingly inherits two ghost children after their mother passes away. The notion that spirits can attach themselves to someone in this manner is eerie enough to make Rattlesnakes a standout. However, the disturbing visions Vic sees truly leave an impression, and they'll leave readers sufficiently horrified.
In addition to being a frightening and fun horror story, Rattlesnakes also gives closure to the characters fromCujo. It's great to see King returning to the beloved 1981 novel and even answering some of the major questions about its ending. Truthfully, many readers will dub Rattlesnakes the greatest story inYou Like It Darker. For those who prefer supernatural horrors, it will be. However, two of King's other novellas are more successful at balancing multiple topics and themes, and they resonate more deeply because of it.
2The Answer Man (2024)
Custom Image by Yeider Chacon
Like Two Talented Bastids, The Answer Manisn't traditionally scary, but it boasts an existential and otherworldly quality that will force readers to sit in their feelings. The Answer Man is set at three separate points of Phil Parker's life: the three times he has a run-in with a mysterious being called the Answer Man. This person answers questions for a price, and he's always correct. He confirms that Phil will marry the woman he loves and move to the town he wants to. The Answer Man also indirectly hints at the deaths of Phil's son and wife, delivering tragedy in addition to hope.
The Answer Man's narrative seems committed to highlighting that both joy and pain will be present in every life, and there aren't always good explanations — or answers — when people want them most. So, while this story never explains its extraordinary happenings, it feels right that it doesn't. And despite his deep losses, Phil's narrative ends on a hopeful note. It will no doubt stick with readers long after they close You Like It Darker. The Answer Manonly comes second to one novella that manages to balance more traditional horror with human wickedness and social commentary.
1Danny Coughlin's Bad Dream (2024)
A Perfect Balance Of Supernatural Horror & Human Wickedness
Danny Coughlin's Bad Dream is the best story fromYou Like It Darker overall, and it speaks to a very human wickedness. This novella blends supernatural horror with everyday terrors, opening with the titular character finding a woman's body in his nightmare — an event that later happens in real life. When Danny anonymously reports the body, he becomes the primary murder suspect. The rest of the narrative digs into the ways assumptions and biases can ruin a man's life, with one police officer hounding Danny incessantly.
Danny Coughlin's Bad Dream features disturbing imagery and supernatural elements, but it also underscores the problems that accompany power dynamics, negligent police work, and maintaining rigid beliefs at all costs.
Danny Coughlin's Bad Dream features disturbing imagery and supernatural elements, but it also underscores the problems that accompany power dynamics, negligent police work, and maintaining rigid beliefs at all costs. This story feels like the most adaptable from You Like It Darker, and it also has one of the most compelling main characters. This leaves readers plowing through this King tale, hoping Danny will find justice. It's the most memorable addition to Stephen King's collection, and it tackles multiple types of darkness well.
In addition to helping fill our reading lists with summer books, Reese Witherspoon is giving plenty of wardrobe inspiration this season. After showing off breezy coastal looks featuring cropped pants and striped button-up shirts, the 48-year-old turned to a country-inspired summer staple to kick off July.
She was recommending her book club's latest read on Instagram, but we couldn't help looking behind the novel at her gingham top. Her version of this iconic summer blouse is a cap-sleeve button-up with ruffles at the shoulders. Witherspoon wore it tucked into a pair of high-waisted jeans, but you can style a gingham shirt with just about any warm-weather bottoms, including white linens, khaki shorts, and skirts of all lengths.
Reese Witherspoon/Instagram
The Oscar winner didn't mention any labels in her post, but we hunted around the web and found a few gingham tops that look very similar to hers on Amazon, with prices starting at $20. So, take advantage of that Prime two-day shipping and get one of these shirts while there's plenty of summer left.
Gingham Tops and Dresses Inspired by Reese Witherspoon
Jug&Po Smocked Peplum Gingham Sleeveless Blouse
Amazon
This flowy gingham top has the same slim fit as Witherspoon's but with shoulder ruffles that are a bit more exaggerated. It would work well tucked into high-waisted pants like the actress wore hers or untucked to showcase the peplum. You can get it in eight colors, including yellow, green, and pink. The reviews say the material is “comfortable” and “stretchy,” making for a flattering fit on varied body types.
Floerns Blue Gingham Notched V-Neck Ruffle Cap-Sleeve Blouse
Amazon
This V-neck option has a slim fit and ruffle cap sleeves just like Witherspoon's gingham top. The brand says the fabric isn't stretchy, but reviews say it's lightweight, comfortable, and ideal for wearing to work or church in the hot months. "This shirt is great for summer, keeps cool, comfortable, and great value for the money," wrote one satisfied buyer who said they always get compliments when they wear it.
Amazon Essentials Black Gingham Short Puff-Sleeve Shirt
Amazon
This black gingham shirt doesn't look as much like Witherspoon's as other options — the colors, neckline, and sleeve lengths are different — but it gives the same summery vibes and comes highly recommended by Amazon shoppers. More than 1,500 shoppers have given this puff-sleeve top a five-star rating. The ruffles are the obvious visual highlights but around back it has a button clasp at the neck that leaves a small slit.
Shop more looks like Reese Witherspoon's top below, including a few gingham dresses.
Allegra K Short-Sleeve Gingham Button-Up Shirt
Amazon
Lyaner Ruffle Peplum Gingham Crop Top
Amazon
Amazon Essentials Black Gingham Long-Sleeve Button-Up Poplin Shirt
Amazon
Zesica Bohemian Plaid Puff-Sleeve Midi Dress, $48 with coupon
Amazon
The Drop Anaya Square-Neck Cutout Tiered Maxi Dress
Amazon
Chouyatou Retro Plaid Smocked Dress Spaghetti-Strap Flounce Long Dress
Cancer can sometimes thwart drugs designed to treat it — but now, scientists have developed a way to turn tumor cells against their neighbors, forcing the cancer to cooperate with treatment.
A cancer treatment's success hinges on its capacity to damage cancer cells enough to kill them or stop them from growing. However, some cancer cells can change their molecular makeup to either mitigate or cancel out the therapy's effect.
Now, in a proof-of-concept study, scientists have unveiled a new way of overcoming this cancer drug resistance: hacking the evolution of cancer cells and tagging them with a target that makes them more vulnerable to therapies. The researchers published their findings Thursday (July 4) in the journal Nature Biotechnology.
"There's all this time and effort and energy and money and heartbreaks put into finding drugs that are going to be effective against the next version of the tumor," lead study author Scott Leighow, a bioengineer at Pennsylvania State University, told Live Science. But "no matter how good they are, they're not durable in the long term."
The new approach could combat existing anticancer drug resistance before it becomes insurmountable.
Cancer drug resistance can develop in many ways. For instance, cancer cells can molecularly inactivate a drug or flip internal switches to cheat their own deaths. To try and get around this, doctors can treat patients with combinations of drugs that use different attacks against the tumors. But the approach has limitations.
"The challenge with a lot of these advanced tumors is that we just don't have a lot of good targets to make drugs against," senior study author Justin Pritchard, a biomedical engineer at Pennsylvania State University, told Live Science. "There's not always a second drug that works as well [and] through a totally independent mechanism of action."
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To tackle the problem from a new angle, Pritchard and his team devised an approach to edit cancer cells, delivering two new "switches" into them. The first switch enables modified cells to outgrow the rest of the cancer cell population. Then, the second switch allows these cells to unleash a toxic drug onto the remaining tumor.
To test the concept, the scientists inserted two "suicide genes" into cancer cells in lab dishes. One gene controls the activation of a protein called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) with the help of a cancer drug called erlotinib.
Normally, erlotinib would stop EGFR proteins from being activated and thus prevent cancer cells from proliferating uncontrollably. But the "suicide gene" allows the scientists to reverse the drug's usual action, making cells resistant to the drug on purpose. This enables them to switch the proliferation of these cells on and off.
For this experiment, the scientists focused on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most common type of lung cancer. Most NSCLC cells develop resistance to erlotinib about a year after treatment, which can lead to a relapse. When the scientists introduced both the suicide gene and erlotinib to NSCLC cells, the modified cells easily outgrew unmodified cells that were inherently resistant to the drug. Once the modified cells became dominant, the scientists stopped administering erlotinib, thus switching the cells' proliferation off.
Once their trap was set, the scientists activated the second suicide gene using a harmless molecule called 5-FC. Cleverly, the second gene codes for an enzyme that helps cells transform 5-FC into a toxin, called 5-FU, that kills cancer. The 5-FU ultimately kills both the modified cancer cells and the cells surrounding them.
The scientists call this approach a "dual switch selection gene drive." They tested it in lab mice and found that, about 20 days into treatment, the modified cancer cells overtook the unmodified cells around them. By day 80, the tumor's volume had shrunk down to zero.
"This is innovative, certainly," said Aaron Goldman, a cancer pharmacologist at the Brigham and Women's Hospital who was not involved in the study. Most cancer therapies that involve gene editing focus on engineering immune cells instead of the cancer cells. "I've not seen anything like this," Goldman told Live Science.
While the dual-switch approach is novel, "it does not address resistance generally," Goldman noted. "It certainly addresses a mechanism of resistance — one of many, many." But the approach could be improved if it was combined with a therapy that thwarts cancer cells' ability to develop resistance in the first place, he said. This would both address the existing resistance and prevent future resistance from developing in additional cells.
The researchers are now testing the dual-switch approach with other cancers and cancer therapies. Pritchard and Leighow are founders of Red Ace Bio, a startup company that is developing the technology.
"We see this as something beyond the treatment of lung cancer," Leighow said. "We see this as a generalizable platform for delivering therapeutic genes in cancer and using those to create therapeutic opportunities that might lead to cures in the future."
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