Cancer Cells Detected Using $400 Digital Camera

fergus07 writes "Researchers have detected oral cancer cells using a fiber-optic cable and an off-the-shelf Olympus E-330 camera worth $400. The work by Rice University biomedical engineers and researchers from the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center could improve access to diagnostic imaging tools in many parts of the world where these expensive resources are scarce. In the tests, a common fluorescent dye was used to make cell nuclei glow brightly and images were taken using the tip of the fiber-optic bundle attached to the camera. The distorted nuclei, which indicate cancerous and pre-cancerous cells, could then be distinguished on the camera's LCD monitor."

Yay!

[RabbitWho]

That's so cheap! Every hospital in the world can afford that! People can be screened for cancer cheaply at the tiniest sign. We'll catch it faster so we'll treat more people early! And research will be that bit easier!

Re:Great to know, but can I afford to treat it?

[Anonymous Coward]

Great to know, but can I afford to treat it? Knowing I have cancer but being unable to afford treatment just seems like torture.

Afford to treat it? Huh? You get sick, you go to a hospital or clinic. They treat it. You walk out. I (or any of my family or friends) have never been charged for any kind of treatment. Are you talking about buying special drugs or something?

Re:stats

[hedwards]

I've actually had good luck with that myself. Not with water, but with locating coins and such. It varies from person to person to the extent that it works, but for those with the aptitude it's more than a little freaky. As far as I can tell it seems to be similar in nature to an actual metal detector.