Navigation Links
Small Biosensor To Enable Cancer Detection

A small hand-held biosensor is being developed by scientists to enable the easy detection of cancer. Early diagnosis and effective monitoring are two factors which are called for// where cancer is concerned. The University of Newcastle’s researchers led by Professor Calum McNeil are engaged in developing the device. This will identify cancer markers - proteins or other molecules produced by cancer cells.

It makes use of the same gyroscope technology as navigation systems and car airbags. It could provide specialists with advice about the most appropriate therapy for a particular patient, since the devices could easily be connected to sources of information such as a hospital computer network, the Internet or a mobile phone.

The technology could eventually be developed for a range of other diseases, including those caused by bacteria. Scientists have manufactured discs less than one-tenth of a millimeter in diameter and coated them with special patterns of DNA or proteins, which cause the cancer-specific markers to bind to the surface.

The discs are created in a silicon wafer and made to vibrate electronically in two modes.

When a cancer-specific marker binds to the surface of a disc, in the pattern of the coating, the uneven weight causes one of the modes of vibration to change in frequency. The difference between the frequencies of the two modes of vibration is measured, enabling the detection of tiny amounts of cancer specific marker.

McNeil said: "We are confident that this new technology has the potential to improve the prospects of successful treatment for these cancers. Once the gyroscope technology is fully developed, these miniature machines could prove useful for spotting cancers at an early stage. It's important to work on new ways to diagnose cancer, as early detection is more likely to lead to successful treatment."

--Edited IAN
'"/>




Page: 1

Related medicine news :

1. Smallpox as Biological Weapons?
2. Is Smallpox Threat Real ?
3. Smallpox Vaccine May Help Fight Cervical Cancer
4. Smallpox Would Spread Rapidly
5. Drug Firm Offers to Donate Smallpox Vaccine
6. Small aneurysms best left untouched
7. Small lumps in breast if not treated may cause long-term harm
8. Third generation Small pox vaccine from Cell-culture
9. CT Scans Said to Accurately Detect Small Cancers
10. Brain of Cocaine Addicts Smaller In Size
11. Researchers Begin Study To Find Out If Angioplasty Can Be Safely Done In Smaller Hospitals
Post Your Comments:
Breaking Medicine Technology:Seven New Biopharmaceutical Research Companies Join PhRMA's Mission to Advance Medical Innovation 2Seven New Biopharmaceutical Research Companies Join PhRMA's Mission to Advance Medical Innovation 3Seven New Biopharmaceutical Research Companies Join PhRMA's Mission to Advance Medical Innovation 4Biomatrica Launches DNAgard(TM) for Room Temperature Storage of Tissues and Cell Culture 2Biomatrica Launches DNAgard(TM) for Room Temperature Storage of Tissues and Cell Culture 3Data Published in Muscle and Nerve Validates the Six-Minute Walk Test as an Outcome Measure in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy 2Data Published in Muscle and Nerve Validates the Six-Minute Walk Test as an Outcome Measure in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy 3Data Published in Muscle and Nerve Validates the Six-Minute Walk Test as an Outcome Measure in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy 4Data Published in Muscle and Nerve Validates the Six-Minute Walk Test as an Outcome Measure in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy 5Crisis in Aging 3A Disability and Alzheimer 26apos 3Bs 3A Lack of Caregivers Threatens South Florida Seniors 26apos 3B Ability to Stay Home 58441 1Crisis in Aging 3A Disability and Alzheimer 26apos 3Bs 3A Lack of Caregivers Threatens South Florida Seniors 26apos 3B Ability to Stay Home 58441 2Crisis in Aging 3A Disability and Alzheimer 26apos 3Bs 3A Lack of Caregivers Threatens South Florida Seniors 26apos 3B Ability to Stay Home 58441 3Crisis in Aging 3A Disability and Alzheimer 26apos 3Bs 3A Lack of Caregivers Threatens South Florida Seniors 26apos 3B Ability to Stay Home 58441 4Boot Camp for New Dads to Hold Master Coach Certification Training in Denver October 2 3 2009 58439 1Boot Camp for New Dads to Hold Master Coach Certification Training in Denver October 2 3 2009 58439 2Boot Camp for New Dads to Hold Master Coach Certification Training in Denver October 2 3 2009 58439 3Paul Marks prize recognizes 3 young cancer researchers 58437 1Paul Marks prize recognizes 3 young cancer researchers 58437 2Paul Marks prize recognizes 3 young cancer researchers 58437 3Paul Marks prize recognizes 3 young cancer researchers 58437 4Paul Marks prize recognizes 3 young cancer researchers 58437 5