Science roundup – lung cancer, planet hunting, NASA and willpower

Scientists identify lung cancer genes

Not everybody who smokes, or even who smokes like a chimney, gets lung cancer. New genetic findings may bring us a step closer to knowing why:

Three teams from France, Iceland and the United States said on Wednesday they had pinpointed a region of the genome containing genes that can put smokers at even greater risk of contracting the killer disease.

As the story says, smokers account for about 90 percent of lung cancer cases… BUT… only about 15 percent of smokers get lung cancer. Obviously, genetic factors are involved.

Smokers, please don’t use this as an excuse to continue puffing, though. My dad died from COPD, surely an even nastier death than one from lung cancer.

‘Astro-comb’ seeks ‘Goldilocks’ planets

Astronomers have a good idea where to look, around stars other than ours, for planets most likely to harbor life, i.e., “Goldilocks” planets that are just right on temperature and other factors. Now, a new pulsed laser technique may help the search.

End of shuttle could end 8,000 NASA jobs

Of course, beyond worries about this, the shuttle should have been retired years ago. Ever since the Moon race was won, both NASA and politicians have lacked focus for what we should — and should not — be doing with manned space flight.

Want to strengthen your willpower?

Well, exercise can help. So can brushing your teeth with your nondominant hand for two weeks.