Scientists at the University of Nottingham in the UK have developed an endoscopic probe capable of three-dimensional imaging of the hardness of individual biological cells and complex organisms, aiding in the earlier detection and treatment of cancer. The related research paper was published in the journal "Communications Biology" on the 15th.
Cancer cells are much softer in the early stages compared to normal cells, allowing them to squeeze through narrow gaps and spread rapidly. During this process, these cancer cells transform into hard tumors to protect themselves from external threats.
In the latest study, Dr. Salvador Lacaveira and colleagues from the University of Nottingham's Optics and Photonics team developed a thin endoscopic probe capable of measuring the hardness of individual cells. This means scientists can detect cancer at the microscopic cellular level earlier, leading to faster, safer, and clearer cancer diagnosis. Moreover, the new method is non-invasive and non-toxic.
Lacaveira stated that the new probe can detect the hardness of nano-sized objects through the phenomenon of "Brillouin scattering," achieving incredibly high imaging resolution. Leveraging this capability, they visualized the three-dimensional hardness of the Caenorhabditis elegans, providing information on the keratin layers of this microscopic organism's anatomical structure.
The research team pointed out that the new probe allows biologists to track the physical surface properties of individual Caenorhabditis elegans from egg to adult (equivalent to 18 years in human terms) in about three days. This not only enhances scientists' understanding of the biology of Caenorhabditis elegans but also holds promise for application in complex biological systems, paving the way for advancements in basic biological research and clinical diagnosis.
