Scientists have developed a handheld optical scanner that can be used for the early detection of Breast Cancer. The device consists of a plastic box measuring about 10 cm by 10 cm with a circuit containing two light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and one diode, amplifiers and a microchip. The LEDs emit light in the near-infrared region of the spectrum between about 650 and 900 nanometres. Since water and fat do not absorb light at these wavelengths very much, the light is able to penetrate as deep as 5 cm into the tissue.
I've heard of this type of technique of using light for noninvasive and cheap diagnostics before. It really seems to have a lot of promise.
Re: Using Light to Detect Cancer
