New Blood Test May Detect Cancer Before Scans

Scientists have introduced a revolutionary light-based sensor designed to detect minimal amounts of cancer biomarkers through a routine blood test. These biomarkers, molecules indicating cancer presence or risk, are challenging to measure at early disease stages due to their low concentrations. Han Zhang and his team from Shenzhen University in China have developed a device using DNA nanostructures, quantum dots, and CRISPR technology to leverage second harmonic generation (SHG) for detecting lung cancer. SHG, combined with quantum dots and DNA programming, reduces the need for chemical amplification, promising quicker and cost-effective diagnostics. Initial tests on lung cancer patient serum demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity, distinguishing only targeted biomarkers amidst similar molecules.