It was a discovery that had the majority of America's Jewry caught in a dilemma: namely, whether to wonder at the marvels of science or to fear for their lives.
Genetic researchers at Baltimore's renowned Johns Hopkins University this week discovered a genetic defect leading to a cell mutation which is a primary cause of colon cancer.
Such an announcement can hardly have had a deeper impact on any ethnic grouping in the world. The defective gene is present in around six per cent of Ashkenazi Jews - who make up 95 per cent of America's Jewish population of six million.
Just as startling is the fact that researchers believe that such Jews who carry this genetic 'polymorphism' have up to a 30 per cent chance of developing colon cancer during their life - twice as likely, in other words, as fellow Jews without it.
Experts ascribe this particular trait within the Ashkenazim to historical developments in their traditional homelands in Eastern Europe, and notably to a high rate of intermarriage during the medieval era.
The good news, of course, is that the men and women at risk - especially those with a family history of colon cancer - can now take a simple blood test for the genetic flaw, and nip any potential precancerous growths in the bud. Colon cancer is easily curable if detected early, but kills so many victims because detection comes too late. The cost is around US$200 (HK$1,546) - not much for a life-saving procedure - and a prominent Jewish foundation is offering to pay for the test for those who cannot afford it.