State University of New York at Buffalo researchers are building a chemical sensor that will test a
person's breath to detect diseases because, based on previous studies, human breath from the body changes when disease
is present. "Past research in this field has linked specific combinations of chemicals to specific diseases," says Frank Bright, professor of chemistry at SUNY Buffalo. "For example, acetone, ethane, and hydrogen peroxide are associated with diabetes, and mono-methylated alkanes with breast cancer. These compounds can be detected using expensive, bulky machines, such as gas chromatographs and mass spectrometers."
The new device, which will use a silicon chip with processing circuitry, is pocket-size, about the size of a roll of quarters, and will be affordable. Because the earlier cancer is detected, the greater the rate of survival, this device may go a long way towards that goal. A person could simply test their breath with a breathalyzer, and if a change is detected, follow-up with a trip to the doctor.
1. Our cat, the most recent of 4, frequently checks our breath. It is most obvious when either my wife or are ill. Our previous 3 cats have all done the same.
Posted at 2:35PM on Mar 21st 2006 by Sterling Williams