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Google Developing a Pill To Detect Cancer

An anonymous reader writes: The Google X research lab has unveiled a new project: developing a pill capable of detecting cancer, imminent heart attacks, and other diseases. According to the article, "the company is fashioning nanoparticles—particles about one billionth of a meter in width—that combine a magnetic material with antibodies or proteins that can attach to and detect other molecules inside the body." When a person ingests the pill, these particles interact with the particular markers for a given disease. Since they're magnetic, they can then be guided back to a particular spot where they can be scanned to determine if any interactions took place. Google X's head of life sciences, Andrew Conrad, said, "What we are trying to do is change medicine from reactive and transactional to proactive and preventative. Nanoparticles... give you the ability to explore the body at a molecular and cellular level."

4 of 58 comments (clear)

  1. Ten years from now: by pushing-robot · · Score: 5, Funny

    "I'm not sure I have cancer, but based on the ads I've been seeing lately..."

    --
    How can I believe you when you tell me what I don't want to hear?
  2. Please create or login to your Google+ account... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    ..in order to view your upcoming heart attacks and your terminal diseases. Share the news with your circles so they can +1 you for support!

  3. Ok by TheDarkener · · Score: 3, Funny

    "...the company is fashioning nanoparticles—particles about one billionth of a meter in width"

    Because traditionally, measurements in the ingredients of pills are in meters.

    --
    It is pitch black. You are likely to be eaten by a grue.
    1. Re:Ok by fahrbot-bot · · Score: 4, Funny

      "...the company is fashioning nanoparticles—particles about one billionth of a meter in width"

      Because traditionally, measurements in the ingredients of pills are in meters.

      Sure, only about one billionth of a meter in width, but the pills are *really* long ...

      • Prof. Farnsworth: This is chance for Fry to test out my experimental Google Pill.
        [He pulls out a huge black pill.]
      • Fry: I can't swallow that.
      • Prof. Farnsworth: Well then good news! It's a suppository.
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      It must have been something you assimilated. . . .