The researchers, who presented their findings at a March 20 ACS meeting, said the device involves placing roundworms on a chip in the center of a plate, with cancer cells on one end and a control substance on the other.
The roundworms are attracted to an odor emitted by cancer cells and not normal, healthy cells, the report said. The researchers estimated their “worm-on-a-chip” device was about 70 percent effective, and they are aiming to boost the accuracy and sensitivity by using worms with a memory of cancer-specific odor molecules.
The researchers then plan to to move the device on to testing for cancer in urine, saliva and exhaled breath, the report said.
