Video Game Helps Patients Battle Cancer
You can believe it or not, but research is showing that video games could help teens battle cancer. Well, not just any video game; 'GTA 4' isn't going to rid anyone of leukemia, but a game called 'Re-Mission' from non-profit health organization HopeLab is proving to be a valuable tool for younger patients.CNN spoke to Dan Neumann, a gamer and leukemia patient who, in 2004, became involved with a clinical trial of the game that eventually became 'Re-Mission.' Neumann told CNN he dreaded chemotherapy when he first joined the trial as a 14-year-old, but that the game made him feel more involved with his treatment. "You're actively playing something and shooting cells," he said.
In 'Re-Mission,' players control Roxxi, a nanobot who travels through the bodies of cancer patients destroying cancer cells, combating infections, and managing the side effects of cancer and its treatment. The game not only aims to make teens feel like they're playing an active part in their treatment, but also encourages them to learn more about their diseases. Research has shown that patients who play 'Re-Mission' not only are more informed about their cancer, but are also more likely to take their medication consistently.
A new version of the game is in the works, but won't see the light of day till 2012 at the earliest. Until then, those trying to cope with life as a cancer patient can download 'Re-Mission' for free from Re-Mission.net, and perhaps feel a little bit better as they blast the crap out of some virtual cancer cells. [From: CNN]
Wired Politicians
Al Gore
Last year, hackers gained access to former Vice President Al Gore's blog, where they posted links to Web sites selling prescription drugs including Xanax, Oxycontin and Lortab. It is uncertain whether or not Rush Limbaugh visited any of the sites.
Getty Images
Putin with Dog
This past October, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin saw a longtime dream realized when he equipped his black lab Koni with a GPS collar. Apparently, even dogs can be counter-intelligence risks.
Putin in Judo Get-Up
Always eager to display his virility, and his tech-savviness, Vladimir Putin released, and starred in, an instructional Judo DVD last year. And we thought George Bush was weird.
Ron Paul
As his campaign gathered steam at the end of 2007, Ron Paul watched -- probably confusedly -- as a group of his supporters banded together and marched in support of their candidate through the mystical realm of the World of Warcraft.
Getty Images
Karl Rove
Former Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove has recently entered the world of Twitter, regularly updating his page with self-promotions, answers to supporters' questions and topics for debate. How about this topic: "Does anybody really want that much Karl Rove?"
Rush Limbaugh
Unable to figure out how to back up e-mails on his Mac, a frustrated Rush Limbaugh beseeched Steve Jobs, on his radio program last year, to help him out. The problem must have been a tough fix; until this, we'd never heard of Rush asking for a Democrat's opinion.
Getty Images
Eliot Spitzer
After resigning from the office of Governor of New York, Eliot Spitzer finally found a new job last month, writing a weekly column for the online publication Slate. We wonder if that Playboy.com job fell through due to "a lack of moral fiber."
White House Christmas vid
Weirder than ever, George Bush and the rest of the First Family released their most eyebrow-raising Christmas video yet late last year. We're not sure what guest stars and gold medallists Michael Phelps and Nastia Liukin have to do with the Holidays, but we do know they're more popular than the still-President.
_thumbnail.jpg "Vintage Keyboards")
Add your comments