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Tuesday, 17th February 2009 (1484 views)

A new breakthrough using gold and nanotechnology could mean that simple tests for cancer could be devised.

Scientists at National Chia Tung University have created a method by which tiny particles of gold could be used to detect cancerous cells in the body, the Taipei Times reports.

The nanogold would work as a biosensor that would react when in contact with certain substances.

Professor at the Institute of Molecular Medicine and Bioengineering department of the university Lin Chih-sheng stated that nanogold is already used in home pregnancy kits.

"Gold nano-particles [nanogold] are a substance that has been made since ancient times," he told the paper, adding that with further development cancer testing kits suitable for home use could be created.

This news follows an announcement by scientists in Madrid who have been working with gold.

The researchers suggested that new materials could be created using the commodity, Nanowerk reported.

 

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