Fluorescent agents and enzymes can combine to detect pancreatic cancer.
In breast cancer diagnosis, butterflies could have a contribution to make, according to a San Diego research team.
Key here: the morpho butterfly, home to microscopic structures in its wings which cause them to shimmer blue when exposed to light.
Collagen fibres in stained biopsy tissue also respond to polarised light, indicating early- or late-stage cancer. But the method requires highly sensitive and expensive microscopes.
By placing an unstained biopsy sample on a butterfly wing, the team amplified previously weak signals and drew conclusions about the density and structure of collagen fibres. Paving the way for the use of conventional microscopes.
Manuka honey could help reduce oestrogen-induced breast cancer.
