Slashdot Mirror


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."

6 of 123 comments (clear)

  1. Hrm.. by derfy · · Score: 4, Funny

    So, next time you get pulled over:

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

  2. 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.

  3. 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.
  4. Re:Oscar (cat) by PiSkyHi · · Score: 5, Funny

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

  5. 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)..

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

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