Detecting Cancer Without Drawing Blood

An anonymous reader informs us of research out of Purdue that allows for early detection of cancer without a blood sample. The technique involves shining laser light on surface veins, such as those in the wrist or cheek.

Next step - zapping?

[gregor-e]

Now, if only they could zap each metastatic cell that passes under their instrument, they'd be able to limit the spread (or, at least, limit those metastases that spend quite a while surfing the blood before finally lodging somewhere else).

my dog is better suited to detect cancer

[DragonTHC]

There are people who are training hound dogs to detect cancer in people.

The dogs are better suited to the task than some million dollar laser beam.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/08/08 20_040820_detectordogs.html [nationalgeographic.com]

Dogs are cheaper to train and maintain. And, they provide therapy for those who are proven positive.

It's win-win.

blog troll

[everphilski]

yup, his one and only journal entry links to the same site, different article.

Re:my dog is better suited to detect cancer

[DragonTHC]

Not true.

the dogs have been able to successfully detect internal tumors months before a blood test on other systems.
Dogs have successfully detected kidney cancer as well.