MumbaiGlioblastoma is among the most aggressive forms of brain cancer— meaning it spreads quickly, resists treatment, and is difficult to remove surgically. To do this, the researchers exposed brain cancer cells to radiation, killing roughly 90% of them. While comparing the gene expression profiles of brain cancer cells on both surfaces, researchers found a protein, PLEKHA7, was elevated only on the brain-mimicking gel. Working with Prof. Mohit Kumar Jolly’s group at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Prof. Majumder’s team grew brain cancer cells on gels of varying stiffness. Both NEAT1 and a related lncRNA, MALAT1, increased in breast, lung, and brain cancer cells grown in 3D, but varied in cervical and liver cancers.