Skip to content
Surprising Science

Newest Weapon in the Fight Against Cancer

The ultrasensitive biosensor is the latest in the fight against cancer. The sensor catches cancer earlier than imaging and other monitor devices. 
Sign up for the Smarter Faster newsletter
A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

Article written by guest writer Rin Mitchell


What’s the Latest Development? 

An ultrasensitive biosensor that can detect cancer before the disease can be discovered with imaging or other methods. The Flexure-FET biosensor, which was developed by University of Purdue researchers, will make earlier detection possible by picking up on DNA and protein fragments crippled by cancer. The force behind the sensor is the vibrating cantilever and the electrical transistor. The application of vibration and voltage create a sensitive environment that allows the sensor to pick up on both charged and uncharged biomolecules.

What’s the Big Idea? 

Cancer can be detected before it has had a chance to truly come to form. With the ability to identify the onset of cancer based on the size and mass of biomolecules, doctors will be able to personalize medicine to suit each individual based on their biochemistry alone. 

Sign up for the Smarter Faster newsletter
A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

Related

Up Next