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A Breathalyzer For Cancer

Tiger4 writes "Cancer researchers in the UK have come up with a way to sniff for lung cancer on the breath. 'From the results, the researchers identified 42 "volatile organic compounds" (VOCs) present in the breath of 83% of cancer patients but fewer than 83% of healthy volunteers. Four of the most reliable were used to develop a nine-sensor array made from tiny gold particles coated with reactive chemicals sensitive to the compounds.' Other sources have picked up the story as well. Obviously, this would be a big breakthrough for rapid screening, and early detection significantly improves outcomes."

13 of 123 comments (clear)

  1. Driving with cancer is a crime? by kenh · · Score: 2, Funny

    I didn't know that it was illegal to drive while suffering with cancer...

    --
    Ken
  2. Hrm.. by derfy · · Score: 4, Funny

    So, next time you get pulled over:

    "Sir, were you aware of how fast your cancer was progressing?"

  3. Re:Oscar (cat) by jamesh · · Score: 4, Funny

    There's a cat that seems to be able to tell when someone is about to die.

    I'm sorry sir... but according to your latest cat scan, your death is imminent.

  4. Re:Oscar (cat) by an+unsound+mind · · Score: 3, Funny

    There really needs to be a +1 Punny moderation.

  5. Re:Oscar (cat) by mach1980 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Makes me remember Bono's famous statement on stage -"Every time I clap my hands - a child dies". Followed by someone in the audience screaming -"Then stop clapping you sick f*ck!".

    --
    Break the sound barrier - bring the noise.
  6. Re:Oscar (cat) by PiSkyHi · · Score: 5, Funny

    That cat is a genius - they still haven't found where he conceals the weapon.

  7. Re:Oscar (cat) by s09 · · Score: 5, Funny

    I see. Cats found a way to measure when we certainly die, though we keep saying we can't (c.f. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schr%C3%B6dinger's_cat)..

  8. Re:Oscar (cat) by Jurily · · Score: 3, Funny

    I'm sorry sir... but according to your latest cat scan, your death is imminent.

    Wow, a trustworthy cat! Mine always pretends she's starving.

  9. Re:Oscar (cat) by Fusen · · Score: 4, Funny

    I didn't know we are allowed to quote House episodes as scientific fact nowadays :P

  10. Re:Oscar (cat) by clarkkent09 · · Score: 2, Funny

    It's the first time I heard that story and while I was reading the wikipedia article my cat came and curled up on my lap. I have to say I couldn't help feeling a little uneasy, but then I thought come on don't be ridicu

    --
    Negative moral value of force outweighs the positive value of good intentions.
  11. Re:Living causes cancer. by Captain_Jackass · · Score: 2, Funny

    The preventative for cancer is to have cells that replicate perfectly, or to not have cells that replicate.

    So what you're really trying to say is that vampirism is a viable means to prevent cancer.

  12. Re:Oscar (cat) by NiteShaed · · Score: 2, Funny

    The House episode was based off reality. I got my information from Wikipedia

    I trusted your information more when I thought it was from House.....

    --
    Some bring out the best in others, some the worst. Some bring out far more.
  13. Re:Oscar (cat) by Eternauta3k · · Score: 2, Funny

    Nice of him to submit the comment for you.

    --
    Yeah. Would you choose a neurosurgeon who pokes around people's brains in his spare time? I wouldn't.