Breathalyzer Test Detects Lung Cancer

Scientists in Israel have devised a portable breath tester that detects lung cancer with 86 percent accuracy, according to a study released Sunday. The device could provide an early warning system that flags the disease before tumours become visible in X-rays, the researchers reported in the journal Nature Nanotechnology. "Our results show great promise for fast, easy and cost-effective diagnosis and screening of lung cancer," they said. The sensor uses gold nanoparticles to detect levels of so-called volatile organic compounds (VOC) -- measured in a few parts per billion -- that become more elevated in cancer patients. Early detection of lung cancer dramatically increases the odds of survival. Currently, only 15 percent of case...