subject: Oklahoma Researchers Lose Cancer Cure In Laptop Theft [print this page] Medical researchers from Oklahoma city had worked for years to come up with a prostrate cancer cure, but now it seems their hard work has gone waste as someone stole their laptop that contained data on possible cure.
Seems like the researchers forgot the simple precaution rules: always back up your data in a hard drive, and never leave your laptop at places easily accessible to thieves.
Considering the importance of the data, the researchers have announced a reward for anyone who leads to safe return of the stolen computer will all the data intact.
How the theft occurred?
The incidence occurred last Sunday when Sook Shin and her husband Ralf Jankecht, leading cancer researchers at Oklahoma University, stopped at the restaurant on North Western for a meal before heading back to the lab.
It was then, someone smashed the window of their car and stole the 13-inch white MacBook that had the possible cure to prostrate cancer.
The researchers, who had devoted their lives to research, are scared that the person who stole the machine might wipe of its memory and sell it.
Also, there is little chance that the police will be able to track the laptop as the couple did not record the serial number.
Shin stated, I cannot eat or sleep since last Sunday. Personally I'm devastated. I feel so guilty... not backing up.
$1000 reward for return of laptop
As the lost data has the potential to save millions, this theft could be a major hurdle in their fight against prostrate cancer.
Considering the importance of the data, the researchers have announced a reward for anyone who leads to safe return of the stolen computer will all the data intact.
They have even circulated poster flyers, which reads, Thief, it is OK. Everybody makes mistake. Please return my computer safely for no questions asked-$1000 reward. If so, I would be forever grateful to you.
Ralf Jankecht stated, Please return the computer with the data saved. This would tremendously help us and you would do something for society.
This is not the first time that an incidence like this has happened. In fact, last October in Sweden, a thief stole a laptop of a professor.
However, the professor was lucky, as a week later he received a USB drive containing all the data.
Hope, this thief also takes pity on the researchers and returns their possible cancer cure.
