New research is successfully using light as a precision weapon against cancer by creating an army of light-triggered nanoparticles to lead the attack. The new strategy is using light as a weapon against cancer cells that have spread deep inside the body in animal studies at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Samuel Achilefu, PhD, the Michel M. Ter-Pogossian Professor of Radiology at the School of Medicine, has proven how this technique can target and attack cancer cells when light emitted from a common cancer imaging agent causes tumors to glow. Meet the doctor and his team and see how this innovation works.

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Teacher Resources for the Video:

NGSS Disciplines Addressed in Standards Referenced Below:
• Life Sciences
• Physical Sciences
• Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science

Discussion Questions:
• At the 02:31 mark, Dr. Achilefu explains they are using these molecules because they are already approved and available in the clinic. Have students discuss this idea. Why could it be important to use already approved materials? How might that affect the research process? How might this be an example of the crosscutting concept of “Interdependence of Science, Engineering, and Technology?”
• At the 04:50 mark, Dr. Achilefu describes the processes needed to get to human trials and for a new therapy to be used to treat humans. Have students react to this description and the impact of the situation on patient care.

Activity Ideas:
• Consider an arts integration activity and have students draw a representation showing how the light therapy works noting specific scientific aspects of the process in action.
• Use the video along with others on the website with an activity focused on the NGSS crosscutting concept of “Interdependence of Science, Engineering, and Technology. As a result of viewing the videos, have students develop a position statement explaining this concept and how it functions in the work of scientists and engineers. Have them include examples of the concept in action from this video and others.

Vocabulary to Consider:
• Free Radicals
• Intracellular

Resources for Additional Research:
• Learn more about Dr. Achilefu and his work at https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/newsroom/articles/year-2022/achilefu-molecular-imaging-innovator.html.
• Learn more about the NGSS Science and Engineering Practices at the NSTA website.

Unique ID for the Video: IinAction-41
• Use the unique ID as a shortcut for students to find this specific video. Click on Search and choose “By Video ID.” Type in the Video ID as it appears above.

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