New imaging device keeps track of tiny tumors

Researchers have created a device that they say can go deeper into tissue to detect cancers than other optical imaging techniques. The new system can also spot tumors as small as only a couple hundred cells, deep within the body. The hope is that clinicians could use this device to better catch tiny tumors early among the 37 trillion cells in our body. Researchers found the device was able to track a tiny tumor-sized cluster of fluorescent particles through the GI tract of a live mouse over the course of four hours. Further studies are needed to see if the device can work just as well in the human body.

Correction: Yesterday's edition incorrectly referred to IBD as irritable bowel disease. IBD stands for inflammatory bowel disease.