Cancer progression as a sequence of atavistic reversions.

Charles H Lineweaver, Kimberly J Bussey, Anneke C Blackburn, Paul C W Davies

July 2021

Synopsis of Social media discussions

Throughout the discussions, posters express strong agreement and fascination with the atavistic hypothesis, describing it as a revolutionary idea and linking it to compelling genetic and evolutionary evidence. Words like 'excellent,' 'interesting,' and 'game changer,' along with shared endorsements of related videos, highlight the deep engagement and potential shift in understanding sparked by the article.

A
Agreement
 Strong agreement

Most discussions show strong support for the atavistic model of cancer, with several posters explicitly endorsing the theory and referencing its compelling logic.

I
Interest
 High level of interest

The discussions reveal high curiosity and enthusiasm, with posters describing the hypothesis as 'interesting,' 'one of the best ideas,' and 'an excellent explanation,' indicating deep engagement.

E
Engagement
 High engagement

Postings include references to explanations, personal reactions, and shared resources, demonstrating active participation and reflection on the theory’s implications.

I
Impact
 High level of impact

The discussions suggest that the article influences ideas about cancer progression significantly, with some posters declaring a departure from traditional views and adopting the new perspective, implying a transformative impact.

Social Mentions

YouTube

2 Videos

Twitter

17 Posts

News

2 Articles

Metrics

Video Views

5,271

Total Likes

251

Extended Reach

3,047,801

Social Features

21

Timeline: Posts about article

Top Social Media Posts

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Cancer Progression as Sequential Atavistic Reversions in Evolutionary Contexts

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May 31, 2021

1,487 views

  • EMI MORITA@Art Film Producer
    @EmiArtFilm (Twitter)

    RT @robert_iolini: An excellent explanation of an alternative theory of cancer progression. https://t.co/5YbHEO48ZM
    view full post

    December 1, 2024

    1

  • robert iolini
    @robert_iolini (Twitter)

    An excellent explanation of an alternative theory of cancer progression. https://t.co/5YbHEO48ZM
    view full post

    November 26, 2024

    1

    1

  • Jarle Breivik
    @jarlebreivik (Twitter)

    @iatrogenful @RubenMoor Thanks @iatrogenful. Yes, there is clearly a connection to the atavistic theory of cancer as presented in this paper by Lineweaver et al. (https://t.co/WssqQQKtKM). Cancer development may be seen as a "reversion" from the multicellular to unicellular state. Accordingly, it seems
    view full post

    January 3, 2024

    2

  • Crazy Fetus
    @crazedfetus (Twitter)

    RT @naval: @travelingenes Charlie Lineweaver, Paul Davies, et al have an interesting hypothesis that cancer is a reversal from multicellula…
    view full post

    November 29, 2023

    6

  • Johnnyvee 333
    @Johnnyvee333 (Twitter)

    @FatEmperor Are you familiar with the atavistic hypothesis Ivor? I think it's one of the best ideas ever within the field of biology... https://t.co/DIHk9BpO9H
    view full post

    June 14, 2023

  • Boone Davidson
    @BooneDavidson1 (Twitter)

    https://t.co/yNvpwYDMit
    view full post

    April 15, 2023

  • Brad Allen
    @Ulmo_Space (Twitter)

    RT @naval: @travelingenes Charlie Lineweaver, Paul Davies, et al have an interesting hypothesis that cancer is a reversal from multicellula…
    view full post

    March 11, 2023

    6

  • Ghana News Summary
    @ghnewssummary (Twitter)

    RT @naval: @travelingenes Charlie Lineweaver, Paul Davies, et al have an interesting hypothesis that cancer is a reversal from multicellula…
    view full post

    February 26, 2023

    6

  • Apollo
    @MindsFiction (Twitter)

    RT @naval: @travelingenes Charlie Lineweaver, Paul Davies, et al have an interesting hypothesis that cancer is a reversal from multicellula…
    view full post

    February 17, 2023

    6

  • Joshua Carter
    @JoshuaCarter603 (Twitter)

    RT @naval: @travelingenes Charlie Lineweaver, Paul Davies, et al have an interesting hypothesis that cancer is a reversal from multicellula…
    view full post

    February 17, 2023

    6

  • Grace Price
    @travelingenes (Twitter)

    RT @naval: @travelingenes Charlie Lineweaver, Paul Davies, et al have an interesting hypothesis that cancer is a reversal from multicellula…
    view full post

    February 17, 2023

    6

  • Black_Panther
    @nimo_1992 (Twitter)

    @travelingenes Charlie Lineweaver, Paul Davies, et al have an interesting hypothesis that cancer is a reversal from multicellular to unicellular behavior. Essentially cancer cells go back to “every cell for itself. https://t.co/xIa0rEPLfi
    view full post

    February 16, 2023

  • Naval
    @naval (Twitter)

    @travelingenes Charlie Lineweaver, Paul Davies, et al have an interesting hypothesis that cancer is a reversal from multicellular to unicellular behavior. Essentially cancer cells go back to “every cell for itself. https://t.co/HwjIMaGi7o
    view full post

    February 16, 2023

    47

    6

  • Art of eVan
    @ArtofeVan (Twitter)

    Cancer progression as a sequence of atavistic reversions… https://t.co/UkDOX8MYDT
    view full post

    December 23, 2022

  • Ahzek Ahriman
    @unboundexile (Twitter)

    Cancer progression as a sequence of atavistic reversions https://t.co/L7moOIAR8v
    view full post

    July 15, 2022

  • Darryl B McConnell
    @D_B_McConnell (Twitter)

    Ok it’s official, I am no longer a follower of the somatic mutation theory of cancer and am an atavistic model of cancer convert thanks to Lineweaver, Davies and Fung. This short YouTube video by Charley is a great intro. https://t.co/uAa3P1VGXy
    view full post

    January 15, 2022

    4

    1

  • Siegfried Treitner
    @TreitnerS (Twitter)

    #Cancer #progression as a sequence of atavistic reversions https://t.co/1ZRr8taChe
    view full post

    May 23, 2021

  • Robert Lufkin - Hazugságok, Amiket Az Orvosi Egyetemen ...

    ... 10.1002/bies.202000305. 9. Az Alzheimer-kór hazugsága 1 „Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet”, National Institute on. Aging, megtekintve: 2022. szeptember 18 ...
    view full post

    December 14, 2025

    News

  • Challenging the standard model of cancer | ScienceDaily

    Cancer progression as a sequence of atavistic reversions. BioEssays, 2021; 2000305 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202000305. Cite This Page: MLA; APA ...
    view full post

    May 20, 2021

    News

Abstract Synopsis

  • Cancer progression is seen as a series of reversions to an ancient unicellular state, evolving from multicellularity back to a more primitive form.
  • The atavistic model of cancer predicts these reversionary transitions can be analyzed using genomic data, supported by evidence from phylostratigraphy studies.
  • The researchers suggest that cancer involves multiple reversion stages linked to key evolutionary transitions, such as eukaryogenesis and the development of adaptive immunity, and propose improvements to current methods for studying these processes.]