HERSHEY — Big Ten schools including Penn State have banded together on cancer research.

The universities formally started the Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium this month in Chicago. Researchers said the consortium's activities will benefit patients because researchers will work together to turn ideas into new potential treatments.

They've also called the partnership a powerful collaboration because of the impact each university has already made in cancer research.

Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute is part of the consortium. The institute describes itself as having special research emphasis on cancer-producing behaviors more prevalent in an underserved rural population.

The collaboration “will enhance efforts already under way by our Cancer Institute scientists to find better, more efficient ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent cancer and to offer the hope of cure to those dealing with cancer,” Dr. Daniel Notterman, vice dean for research and graduate studies for the Penn State College of Medicine, said in a statement.

The Indianapolis-based Hoosier Oncology Group will serve as the administrative headquarters for the Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium.

In State College, Penn State has had a history of strong fundraising efforts in support of cancer research and patient care, including the student-run dance marathon each February.

Last week, the annual Coaches vs. Cancer golf tournament raised about $100,000, one of the most successful tournaments in recent years. The event has raised more than $2 million in its 17-year history.

HARRISBURG — Two bills are advancing in the state Legislature are designed to expand requirements that are in place to protect schoolchildren from potential predator teachers.The bills, passed unanimously Monday by the Senate, were sent to the House.One bill is designed to prevent school administrators from hiring educators who have been investigated, fired or disciplined for abuse or sexual misconduct. The sponsor, Sen. Anthony Williams, says perpetrators often relocate and victimize new children because of this loophole.Another bill would expand the state's policies under which professional educators are investigated and disciplined for misconduct in Pennsylvania. The sponsor, Sen. Lloyd Smucker, says it is designed to more effectively deal with teachers who are accused of misconduct.

HARRISBURG — The state Department of Public Welfare is establishing a website, toll-free number and specialists to help families and parents of the autistic get information and guidance.The department said Monday that the ASERT Statewide Resource Center can be found by calling 1-877-231-4244 or online at www.PAautism.org .The agency’s acting secretary, Beverly Mackereth, says one in 88 children are now being diagnosed with autism.The center is designed to offer information about local, regional and statewide events, as well as professional training, community resources, services and research.