London: British scientists have invented a machine which can “smell” cancer.
Brainchild of academics at Cranfield University in Bedfordshire, the Breathotron detects chemical changes in a patient’s breath, which doctors say could show they have a tumour and give an earlier diagnosis than is possible now, reports The Mirror.
Professor Hugh Barr, who is leading the research, said: “This is a very exciting development which could dramatically influence the way cancer is diagnosed in years to come.
“Instead of using our eyes, the Breathotron allows us to use an ‘¬enhanced nose’ to try to sniff out the early stages of cancer.”
The invention follows medical research papers that concluded that cancer cells give off an odour.
ANI
First Published: Monday, February 22, 2010, 00:34