Oral Roberts University (ORU) has been awarded a U.S. Patent for the use of mushrooms or mushroom mycelia in the treatment of cancer. Advances in this treatment were spearheaded by Dr. William Ranahan, ORU Associate Professor of Biology and Chair of the Biology and Chemistry Department.
"At ORU, we believe that scientific discovery can make huge advancements when science and faith are brought together,” said ORU President Dr. William M. Wilson. “When the best science has to offer is joined with the best God has to offer, healing occurs."
Dr. William M. Wilson and Dr. William Ranahan
ORU’s patent (U.S. Patent No.:11,013,775) specifically covers:
Methodologies and apparatuses are provided for producing new anti-cancer compounds and compositions by placing mushrooms or mushroom mycelia in contact with cancer cells or tissues and harvesting secretions produced by the mushrooms or mushroom mycelia, which will destroy cancer cells without harming normal cells and tissues. The anticancer compounds are administered to humans or other mammals for cancer treatment.
“The discovery represents an entirely new way to generate novel cancer therapeutics from a natural source. The complexity of cancer is here matched by the complexity of nature's own solution,” said Dr. William Ranahan, Chair and Professor of Molecular Biology.
All experimental procedures were carried out and repeated by ORU’s undergraduate research students. One of those students, ORU senior Diego de la Torre, a medical molecular biology major, discussed conducting cancer research with Dr. Ranahan:
"I joined Dr. Ranahan's lab as a freshman, and by my sophomore year, I was doing cutting-edge cancer research. This opportunity has given me a significant advantage in getting into medical school."
To further serve students in the Biology and Chemistry Department, ORU recently opened a new Biological Sciences Center. The newly renovated 27,000-square-foot facility contains five open-concept laboratories with open access between labs for research, collaboration, equipment, and reagent sharing. It houses:
- A two-story atrium designed to facilitate study and group work,
- a cadaver dissection lab,
- a lecture hall, and
- faculty research labs.
As a nature-inspired facility, the Center has environmentally sustainable sunlit spaces, indoor-outdoor classrooms, a greenhouse observatory, a green roof entry canopy, and dedicated areas where students can grow farm-to-table produce.
“The Center not only serves as an educational environment but an opportunity for students to apply theory to real-world research, interconnecting the Holy Spirit’s empowerment and practical experience through nature, inspiration, and learning,” said Dr. Kenneth Weed, Dean of the College of Science and Engineering.
This new addition to campus continues ORU’s historic expansion. Along with the new Biological Sciences Center, ORU has added several new buildings to campus, including the J. D. McKean Library, the ORU Welcome Center, and the Mike Carter Athletic Center. Currently under construction, the 78,000-square-foot Peggy V. Helmerich Media Arts Center is projected to open this spring.
For more information about ORU's commitment to academic excellence and campus expansion, please visit the Whole Leaders for the Whole World campaign.
ORU is a Christian, Spirit-empowered, interdenominational university in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with 15 years of consecutive enrollment growth. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ORU offers over 150 majors, minors, concentrations, and pre-professional programs at the bachelor’s level, ranging from business and engineering to nursing, ministry, and more. Under the leadership of President Dr. William Wilson, ORU is preparing students from all 50 states and 157 nations (from 2019 to 2024) to be whole leaders for the whole world.
The Wall Street Journal ranked ORU as the #8 university in the nation for student experience and one of America's Best Colleges (2024). This new category rates the best colleges in the U.S. to have a great experience while attending. This ranking is powered by one of the largest ever independent surveys of verified college students and recent graduates in the United States. Niche recognizes ORU as one of the top 25 most diverse colleges in America, # 1 best Christian college in Oklahoma, and # 1 in Oklahoma for diversity. Princeton Review ranked ORU as the best regional college, and College Raptor ranked ORU as a Hidden Gem in the Southwest.
ORU has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as:
- #1 in Undergraduate Teaching
- #2 in Most International Students
- #3 in Best Value
- #6 in Best College for Veterans
- #7 in Best Regional Colleges in the West
For more information, visit www.oru.edu.