Latest microscopy technique promises fast detection of cancer cells

Detecting cancer cells could become much faster with the latest microscopy technique to be developed at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Scientists at the educational institution have been working with the latest microscopy technology to create new methods of tissue imaging.

They have developed non-linear interferometric vibrational imaging (NIVI), which works by locking on to the unique vibrational signature of molecules.

By resonating a tissue sample, NIVI can yield a colour map of the cells which highlights potentially cancerous areas in red.

Stephen A Boppart, professor and physician at the institution, says: "We want to make the process of medical diagnostics more quantitative and more rapid."

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign counts astronauts, Olympic medallists, Pulitzer and Nobel Prize winners among its alumni.

Its aims include a pledge to benefit its state, nation and planet by addressing the needs of society through its student programmes and knowledge creation.