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Detecting Cancer Without Drawing Blood

Posted by kdawson on from the you'll-feel-a-slight-pinch dept.

An anonymous reader informs us of research out of Purdue that allows for early detection of cancer without a blood sample. The technique involves shining laser light on surface veins, such as those in the wrist or cheek.

4 of 72 comments (clear)

  1. Next step - zapping? by gregor-e · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Now, if only they could zap each metastatic cell that passes under their instrument, they'd be able to limit the spread (or, at least, limit those metastases that spend quite a while surfing the blood before finally lodging somewhere else).

  2. my dog is better suited to detect cancer by DragonTHC · · Score: 3, Interesting

    There are people who are training hound dogs to detect cancer in people.

    The dogs are better suited to the task than some million dollar laser beam.
    http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/08/08 20_040820_detectordogs.html

    Dogs are cheaper to train and maintain. And, they provide therapy for those who are proven positive.

    It's win-win.

    --
    They're using their grammar skills there.
    1. Re:my dog is better suited to detect cancer by DragonTHC · · Score: 2, Interesting

      Not true.

      the dogs have been able to successfully detect internal tumors months before a blood test on other systems.
      Dogs have successfully detected kidney cancer as well.

      --
      They're using their grammar skills there.
  3. blog troll by everphilski · · Score: 2, Interesting

    yup, his one and only journal entry links to the same site, different article.