From December 6–8, the Advanced Technology Research Facility of the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research was abuzz with conversation and collaboration as nearly 450 scientists, academics, and industry partners gathered for the Second RAS Initiative Symposium. Attendees hailed from 14 nations, dozens of institutions, and diverse scientific backgrounds, but they shared a common purpose: to present and discuss their research on RAS genes and cancer.

The final Holiday Market of 2017 will take place on Tuesday, December 19, in Building 549. The event, which runs from 11:00 am–1:30 pm, will feature nearly two dozen local vendors and artisans. From bags and boards to meats and sweets, the market promises to have something for everyone.

Last year, scientists from Yale University published the results of a study showing that people who read books for at least 30 minutes each day may live almost two years longer than people who don’t read. It’s the perfect reason to visit the 17th Annual Book & Media Swap at the Scientific Library, where you can pick up free books during the month of November.

The recent Take a Hike event, sponsored by Occupational Health Services, featured a new twist: A Poster Puzzler challenge courtesy of Scientific Publications, Graphics and Media. Participants were asked to identify words on six objects along the Hike path based on photographs that showed the objects with the words blurred out.

People came in groups of two, four, and six, decked out in pink to walk 1.3 miles as part of the fall Take a Hike event, kicking off Breast Cancer Awareness Month on the NCI at Frederick campus.