When Professor Richard Scolyer received the devastating news in 2023 that he had been diagnosed with glioblastoma—one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer—he was told he might only have six to eight months left. Today, more than two years later, the former Australian of the Year is still here, though he admits his fight may be nearing its end.

Speaking candidly this week, Scolyer described his journey as “tough” but also full of moments of gratitude. “I had a great period after I was initially diagnosed and could enjoy life, but I’ve had a few recurrences of the tumour,” he shared. “I guess there’s an end point, and who knows how far it is away. But we’re definitely getting closer.”

The comments came as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stood alongside him in Sydney, announcing a major recognition of his legacy. The federal government will establish The Richard Scolyer Chair in Brain Cancer Research at the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, a world-class cancer treatment centre in Camperdown. Backed by $5.9 million in funding, the role will be dedicated to advancing research, expanding clinical trials, and improving outcomes for patients.

A career defined by breakthroughs

Professor Scolyer has long been celebrated in the medical community. Alongside colleague Georgina Long, he was named Australian of the Year 2024 for their groundbreaking melanoma research, which dramatically improved survival rates. His leadership in immunotherapy has inspired hope across cancer research, and his own battle became an extension of that work.

When diagnosed, he began a world-first experimental immunotherapy treatment, defying expectations by holding the disease at bay for more than 18 months. Unfortunately, the cancer returned earlier this year.

Still, his determination hasn’t faltered. Just weeks ago, Scolyer participated in Sydney’s City2Surf, finishing the famous 14km run in two hours and 21 minutes—an achievement many would consider remarkable for someone battling terminal illness.

Honouring a mentor

The new Chair also carries personal significance for Scolyer. The centre is named after Chris O’Brien, the respected surgeon who lost his own battle with brain cancer in 2009. Scolyer recalled their relationship fondly: “He mentored me, we researched together, we did a lot of things. For him to end up getting brain cancer and passing away from it, and then to follow in his footsteps many years down the track has been heartbreaking.”

Humility and legacy

Prime Minister Albanese shared that Scolyer was hesitant about having his name attached to the Chair, even moments before the announcement. “It really does say something about the humility of this extraordinary gentleman… that as late as just inside my office he was still saying ‘it shouldn’t really be named after me’,” Albanese said.

Scolyer himself emphasized that what matters most is the difference this funding and research can make. “I want to make a difference for people, and I’ve dedicated my life to doing that… my name to it or not, that’s not where the difference happens.”

Looking forward with hope

Brain cancer remains one of the most challenging diseases to treat, but Scolyer believes progress is possible. “There are many challenges with brain cancer that couldn’t be addressed in the past but can potentially be tackled now,” he said. “So I sincerely hope that’s what happens over the next few years.”

Despite acknowledging that his own time may be limited, Professor Scolyer’s resolve to push forward for others is unwavering. His story continues to inspire Australians, blending personal courage with professional brilliance.

As the Chair in his name begins its work, countless patients and families may one day benefit from the legacy of a man who refused to give up hope.

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In a dramatic twist worthy of Silicon Valley, biotech trailblazer Anne Wojcicki is making headlines again — this time by swooping in to rescue the company she helped build. Beleaguered genetic testing giant 23andMe has agreed to sell itself to TTAM Research Institute, a nonprofit spearheaded by none other than its co-founder and former CEO.

The stunning comeback move follows months of turbulence for the DNA-testing firm. After a crippling 2023 cyberattack exposed sensitive genetic data and unleashed a wave of lawsuits, the company filed for bankruptcy this March. To avoid conflicts of interest, Wojcicki stepped down as CEO and positioned herself as an independent bidder.

Initially, it seemed that biotech heavyweight Regeneron would claim 23andMe for $256 million. But according to the Wall Street Journal, Wojcicki’s nonprofit blindsided the process with an unsolicited $305 million offer this month — a bid that Regeneron chose not to outmatch.

In a statement that’s already sparking fierce debate, TTAM (which cleverly mirrors the initials for Twenty-Three And Me) pledged to uphold 23andMe’s privacy standards. Customers will be alerted at least two business days before the deal finalizes, and the nonprofit vows to keep consumer rights at the forefront — promising a dedicated Consumer Privacy Advisory Board within 90 days of the takeover.

The former CEO shared her excitement on LinkedIn, declaring, “I am thrilled that TTAM Research Institute will be able to continue the mission of 23andMe to help people access, understand and benefit from the human genome. We believe it is critical that individuals are empowered to have choice and transparency with respect to their genetic data.”

However, the dramatic rescue is far from a done deal. A coalition of 28 state attorneys general, led by New York’s Letitia James, has filed suit to block the sale, arguing that selling millions of customers’ genetic blueprints without clear consent crosses legal and ethical lines. A court-appointed privacy watchdog also raised red flags, questioning whether existing policies actually allow such a transfer.

Consumer trust remains a looming hurdle. In a recent House Oversight Committee hearing, 23andMe’s interim CEO Joseph Selsavage admitted that nearly 15% of customers have already requested data deletion since bankruptcy proceedings began — a sign that privacy fears may be hard to repair.

For now, all eyes are on the bankruptcy court, which holds the power to approve or derail Wojcicki’s bold rescue bid. If she succeeds, it could mark a new era for personal genomics — or spark fresh debates about the ownership of our most intimate data.

Energy drinks are booming — found in gym bags, office fridges, and late-night study sessions alike. But a groundbreaking study from the University of Rochester is casting fresh doubt on one of their most popular ingredients: taurine. While it’s been marketed as a brain-boosting, energy-elevating amino acid, scientists now warn it may be playing a darker role — potentially accelerating the growth of aggressive forms of cancer.

The study, published in the journal Nature, explored how taurine behaves in the body beyond its consumption in drinks or supplements. Interestingly, the compound isn’t just absorbed through your diet. Our own cells — especially in the brain, heart, bones, and muscles — are capable of producing taurine naturally. But for individuals battling leukemia, this otherwise beneficial amino acid may actually be aiding the enemy.

Leukemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, begins when stem cells mutate and multiply out of control, crowding out the healthy cells our body needs. The research team discovered that as leukemia progresses, the affected bone marrow begins producing more taurine. These cancer cells, in turn, are able to absorb taurine through a protein transporter called TauT, giving them extra energy to grow and multiply.

Even more alarming: in mice with leukemia, supplementing their systems with additional taurine — amounts equivalent to what you’d find in many energy drinks — resulted in faster disease progression. However, when researchers blocked either taurine production or its absorption, the cancer’s spread slowed significantly. Mice lived longer and exhibited reduced tumor growth, opening the door to what scientists believe could be a potential new treatment path.

“We are very excited about these studies,” said Dr. Jeevisha Bajaj, lead author of the study and assistant professor at the University of Rochester. “They demonstrate that targeting taurine uptake by leukemia cells may become a new strategy in treating aggressive forms of blood cancer.”

To be clear: the study does not claim that drinking energy drinks causes cancer. However, in people who already have leukemia, additional taurine — from supplements or high-caffeine beverages — might accelerate the disease’s growth. That distinction is key, especially since taurine is also used in some cases to help chemo patients manage side effects like nausea or fatigue.

Taurine’s role in other cancers remains nuanced. Some early research suggests potential benefits in fighting gastric cancers, and it may have therapeutic value in certain contexts. However, for leukemia patients specifically, this latest study advises a more cautious approach.

In a world where dietary supplements and functional drinks are growing in popularity, the findings serve as a stark reminder: just because an ingredient is natural doesn’t mean it’s universally safe. The research team emphasizes the importance of personalized medical advice, especially for patients navigating serious conditions like leukemia.

So while your next energy drink might give you a temporary boost, it might be wise — especially if you’re undergoing cancer treatment — to check what else is hiding behind that shiny can.