For the first time, a blood test has been added to the list of the American Cancer Society’s recommended screenings for colorectal cancer, as the test, called Shield, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2024 and works by detecting DNA fragments released by cancerous tumors. According to Dr. William Dahut, chief scientific officer for the American Cancer Society, the addition could “dramatically increase” the number of people screened, as about a third of Americans are not up to date with colorectal cancer screening.

Colorectal Cancer Screening: New Options and Limitations

The American Cancer Society recommends the blood test only for people who can’t or won’t undergo more effective screenings like colonoscopies or stool tests. While studies show the Shield blood test is 83% effective in finding colorectal cancers, it works best at detecting more advanced disease and is significantly less effective at identifying early-stage cancers, when treatment is most effective. Precancerous polyps do not release the DNA fragments that the test looks for, and there is no data yet on whether the test can save lives in the long run.

According to Dahut, the test “won’t be as good at picking up the pre-cancer areas or stage 1 cancers,” but it is “certainly much better than not being screened at all.” The new recommendations, however, do not guarantee insurance coverage for the test. Insurance coverage typically follows a recommendation from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which has not yet weighed in on the blood test. The Shield test costs $895 out of pocket.

Testing Policy Shifts at Yale University

Yale’s office of undergraduate admissions has announced a change to its standardized testing policy for first-year and transfer applicants. Beginning with the next admissions cycle, applicants will be required to submit scores from the ACT or SAT. This reverses a test-flexible policy that allowed scores from four options: ACT, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or SAT. The change reflects the university’s recent review of admission processes, as part of a 2025 initiative led by President Maurie McInnis to ensure academic excellence and legal compliance.

The shift restores the testing policy in place prior to 2020, when the university adopted a fully test-optional policy in response to the pandemic. The Presidential Council on Yale College Admissions recommended the return to a more traditional testing framework to maintain academic standards and fairness in the admissions process.

Broader Implications of ‘Test’ in Society

The concept of testing extends beyond health and education. In Germany, the VW Tayron, a plug-in hybrid SUV, has been tested for its capabilities and comfort, with a focus on space and performance. The vehicle is technically related to the VW Tiguan but is significantly longer, allowing for up to seven passengers. The ADAC test highlights its 100-kilometer electric range and spacious cargo capacity, but also notes its high prices. In Spain, a personal account from a mother shares the emotional experience of taking a pregnancy test, describing it as a moment of clarity and calm despite the significance of the result. Meanwhile, in South Korea, a concept called the “Einstein Test” is gaining attention as a way to assess the true potential of AI—its ability to extrapolate and innovate rather than simply interpolate existing data.