Third degree burns can be treated with lasers.
Now a Texas-based research team has discovered that near-infrared light has an important role to play in the fight against cancer. In conjunction with synthetic and biocompatible dyes.
The dye molecules attach themselves to cancer cells, and influenced by the light, their atoms start to vibrate with such force that the tumour cell membrane is broken.
The method reduced a black skin cancer sample lab-grown from human cells down to 1%.
As well as being harmless for people, near-infrared light can penetrate up to 10 cm beneath the skin. Meaning organs and bones can be reached without tissue damage.
Other developments also give hope where uterine, colorectal and brain cancers are concerned.Â
