Restoring Vision through “Project Prakash”: The Opportunities for Merging Science and Service

“So how does this help society?” is a question we are often asked as scientists. The lack of immediate and tangible results cannot be held against a scientific project but statements of future promise in broad and inchoate terms can sometimes pass the benefit-buck indefinitely. There is no incentive against over-stating the benefits, especially when they are hypothetical and lie in the distant future. Few scientists will say their science is not designed to serve society. Yet the proliferation of “potential benefits” in grant proposals and the Discussion sections of research papers, in the absence of tangible translations, can make the service element of science seem like a cliched ritual. Its repetition hollows out its meaning, breeding cynicism about the idea that basic science can be of service

Small supratentorial, extraaxial primitive neuroectodermal tumor causing large intracerebral hematoma

A 16-year-old boy presented with an unusual case of a supratentorial, extraaxial small round blue cell tumor of the central nervous system, which was most likely a primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET). Preoperative computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a large multistage hematoma in the left central region. Intraoperatively, a small, superficial tumorous lesion was found between the sagittal sinus and a large cortical vein hidden by the hematoma. The histological diagnosis was PNET. This tumor is one of the most aggressive intracerebral tumors, not only in children, so treatment strategies must be early, profound, and interdisciplinary. This case represents an important example of atypical extraaxial appearance of this lesion, which should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cortical or subcortical hemorrhage, since complete resection of this lesion is critical for the successful treatment and outcome