From Harvard and MIT coming the $200 handheld cancer detector. The journal Science Translational Medicine says that the device uses magnetic particles and antibodies to detect cancer cells in the body. First suspect cells are extracted from the patient. They are then tested in the device, called the Micro-NMR, and within 60 minutes the results are available via the smartphone controlling the device. This is much fast than the former method of detection that takes up to 7 days to complete. Not only is it faster, but it is more accurate, showing positive identification up to 96% compared to the former method’s 74%. Although very early in the testing phase, the Micro-NMR has already identified cancerous cells in 40 patients.
You can hear more from Dr. Ralph Weissleder, one of the creators of the device, via a Podcast here.
Eavesdropper
Pic via Science Translational Medicine