Researchers Develop Virtual Biopsy Technique
Researchers from the Queensland University of Technology are developing a new approach to detect cancers on the surface of skin or other organs that is both painless and quick. The approach is based on technologies used to calculate body composition, bioimpedance spectroscopy. News of the approach was described on the University’s website in a news release.
This assessment method is being proposed as a means to assess patients for skin and cervical malignancy. Bioimpendance approaches measure the electrical characteristics of biological tissue. It is now being employed by some scientists to determine whether cells are healthy, dead, or malignant.
The Queensland researcher uses bioimpedance to send tiny electrical currents through tissue. This approach can determine the boundaries of malignancy; impedance characteristics are different dependent on the characteristics of the cell. As well, additional cellular changes can be detected. Those include changes to the cell membrane and alterations to the space between cells.
The new approach employs development of a simple device to run over skin surfaces or organs that can detect changes in cellular structures. Those changes can then be compared to see if they are indicative of malignancy.
January 29, 2008 Related topics: New Technology & Innovation, Diagnostic