The Effects of Talcum Powder on Mouse 3T3 Cells
School Name
Center for Advanced Technical Studies
Grade Level
12th Grade
Presentation Topic
Biochemistry
Presentation Type
Mentored
Abstract
In the 1970s, doctors found particles of talcum powder in a number of ovarian tumors which sparked the controversy about whether or not talcum powder is linked to ovarian cancer. Studies since then have suggested that talcum powder does in fact directly cause ovarian cancer; however, those studies tend to exhibit response bias. Due to the structure of the female reproductive system, the talc would first have to travel through the cervix before it were to come in contact with the ovaries. This study’s goal is to determine if there is a correlation between talcum powder and cervical cancer. In this study, Mouse 3T3 Cells will be used in this experiment as they closely emulate the behavior of cervical cells. Each sample of cells will be exposed to different amounts of talc powder, each for a different interval of time in order to observe if increased talcum powder use for an extended amount of time makes it more likely for a woman to develop cervical cancer. Cancer takes up to 10 years to develop, so for this particular experiment signs of dysplasia in the cells will be recorded as cancerous activity. In order to analyze the data, the transformation and growth of the 3T3 cells will be observed. This will be done by noticing if the cells have created clusters within the petri dishes. If the cells develop clusters, change in morphology can be assumed and further observation can be done to determine if cancer is forming.
Recommended Citation
Smith, Sidney and Brideau, Emily, "The Effects of Talcum Powder on Mouse 3T3 Cells" (2018). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 226.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2018/all/226
Location
Neville 106
Start Date
4-14-2018 8:45 AM
Presentation Format
Oral Only
The Effects of Talcum Powder on Mouse 3T3 Cells
Neville 106
In the 1970s, doctors found particles of talcum powder in a number of ovarian tumors which sparked the controversy about whether or not talcum powder is linked to ovarian cancer. Studies since then have suggested that talcum powder does in fact directly cause ovarian cancer; however, those studies tend to exhibit response bias. Due to the structure of the female reproductive system, the talc would first have to travel through the cervix before it were to come in contact with the ovaries. This study’s goal is to determine if there is a correlation between talcum powder and cervical cancer. In this study, Mouse 3T3 Cells will be used in this experiment as they closely emulate the behavior of cervical cells. Each sample of cells will be exposed to different amounts of talc powder, each for a different interval of time in order to observe if increased talcum powder use for an extended amount of time makes it more likely for a woman to develop cervical cancer. Cancer takes up to 10 years to develop, so for this particular experiment signs of dysplasia in the cells will be recorded as cancerous activity. In order to analyze the data, the transformation and growth of the 3T3 cells will be observed. This will be done by noticing if the cells have created clusters within the petri dishes. If the cells develop clusters, change in morphology can be assumed and further observation can be done to determine if cancer is forming.
