Boosting early detection of cancer | Top 10

+ why some kids seem to be 'good at math' US Edition - Today's top story: A blood test that screens for multiple cancers at once promises to boost early detection [View in browser]( US Edition | 6 November 2022 [The Conversation]( Welcome to Sunday and the best of The Conversation. More than 20 years ago, my mother died of pancreatic cancer that was discovered only when it was too late to treat. At that time, no screening test for pancreatic cancer existed. Even today options are very limited. The same is true for some other aggressive cancers like ovarian, bladder and esophageal. Now single blood tests designed to [screen for the most common cancer types]( are under development, but not yet approved by the FDA. These sophisticated tests are designed to detect small amounts of tumor DNA circulating in the body, explains University of Washington professor of laboratory medicine and pathology Colin Pritchard. Soon, the tests could lead to earlier detection and better outcomes for patients – assuming doctors can figure out how to best use them. Tuesday is Election Day, the final day to cast a vote in the midterms. In editors’ picks, we have a few stories related to the upcoming election, including Texas State finance professor William Chittenden’s explanation of why the results won’t have much effect on what [you spend at the gas pump and grocery store](. This week we’ll also bring you much more on the midterms – along with stories about Pickleball’s uphill climb to mainstream success, and dung beetles adapting to climate change. Until then, enjoy the rest of the weekend – and go vote! Emily Costello Managing Editor Readers' picks A number of multicancer early detection tests are currently in development. EK Image/Science Photo Library via Getty Images [A blood test that screens for multiple cancers at once promises to boost early detection]( Colin Pritchard, University of Washington Multicancer early detection tests are among the priorities of the Biden administration’s Cancer Moonshot. The tests show promise, but questions remain about when and how to use them. - [Former math teacher explains why some students are ‘good’ at math and others lag behind]( Frances E. Anderson, University of Nebraska Omaha A former math teacher explains what’s behind the recent drop in math scores for the nation’s fourth and eighth graders. - [Elon Musk takes Twitter private – here’s what that means for the company and its chances of success]( Erik Gordon, University of Michigan Completing the $44 billion deal, following six months of turmoil, may be the easy part. - [Americans who aren’t sure about God are a fast-growing force in politics – and they’re typically even more politically active than white evangelicals]( Ryan Burge, Eastern Illinois University Winning elections isn’t just a matter of how many players you have. It’s how engaged they are. - [Sacheen Littlefeather and ethnic fraud – why the truth is crucial, even it it means losing an American Indian hero]( Dina Gilio Whitaker, California State University San Marcos A new report disputes the heritage claims of Native American activist Sacheen Littlefeather. A scholar explains why scrutiny over alleged ethnic fraud is essential. Editors' picks The U.S. government can’t do much about rising food prices, which are primarily caused by supply chain problems. AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh [Why inflation will likely stay sky-high regardless of which party wins the midterms]( William Chittenden, Texas State University Many voters say inflation is the issue that matters to them most as they head to the polls. The problem is, the people they choose can’t do much about it. - [What to do if your vote is challenged on Election Day]( Karen Figueroa-Clewett, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences It’s Election Day, you go to vote – and you’re told you’re not registered or you’re not eligible to vote. A civil rights lawyer provides a guide so voters can know their rights to cast a ballot. - [A new wave of celebrity politicians breaks the rules on acceptable behavior, inspired by Trump]( Donna M Goldstein, University of Colorado Boulder; Kristen Drybread, University of Colorado Boulder GOP candidates Kari Lake, Herschel Walker and Dr. Mehmet Oz have caught people’s attention for outlandish stunts and false statements that are increasingly accepted in politics. - [Climate reparations: Who is responsible when climate change harms the world’s poorest countries?]( Bethany Tietjen, Tufts University That’s the big question at the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference, known as COP27, and it’s controversial. - [Conservative US Supreme Court reconsidering affirmative action, leaving the use of race in college admissions on the brink of extinction]( Travis Knoll, University of North Carolina – Charlotte The US Supreme Court is poised to determine the fate of the use of race in college admissions. Supporters of affirmative action, like the military, fear the worst. The Conversation Quiz 🧠- [The Conversation U.S. weekly news quiz]( Quizmaster, The Conversation This week: questions about inflation, inequality and interruptions. Like this newsletter? You might be interested in our other weekly emails: [Science Editors' Picks]( • [This Week in Religion]( • [Politics Weekly]( About The Conversation: We're a nonprofit news organization dedicated to [helping academic experts share ideas with the public](. We can give away our articles thanks to the help of foundations, universities and readers like you. [Donate now to support research-based journalism]( [The Conversation]( You’re receiving this newsletter from [The Conversation]( 303 Wyman Street, Suite 300 Waltham, MA 02451 [Forward to a friend]( • [Unsubscribe](