• HOME
  • NEWS
  • EXPLORE
    • CAREER
      • Companies
      • Jobs
    • EVENTS
    • iGEM
      • News
      • Team
    • PHOTOS
    • VIDEO
    • WIKI
  • BLOG
  • COMMUNITY
    • FACEBOOK
    • INSTAGRAM
    • TWITTER
Thursday, October 2, 2025
BIOENGINEER.ORG
No Result
View All Result
  • Login
  • HOME
  • NEWS
  • EXPLORE
    • CAREER
      • Companies
      • Jobs
        • Lecturer
        • PhD Studentship
        • Postdoc
        • Research Assistant
    • EVENTS
    • iGEM
      • News
      • Team
    • PHOTOS
    • VIDEO
    • WIKI
  • BLOG
  • COMMUNITY
    • FACEBOOK
    • INSTAGRAM
    • TWITTER
  • HOME
  • NEWS
  • EXPLORE
    • CAREER
      • Companies
      • Jobs
        • Lecturer
        • PhD Studentship
        • Postdoc
        • Research Assistant
    • EVENTS
    • iGEM
      • News
      • Team
    • PHOTOS
    • VIDEO
    • WIKI
  • BLOG
  • COMMUNITY
    • FACEBOOK
    • INSTAGRAM
    • TWITTER
No Result
View All Result
Bioengineer.org
No Result
View All Result
Home NEWS Science News Cancer

Illuminating Cancer Cells: The Breakthrough of Biolaser Technology

Bioengineer by Bioengineer
January 6, 2025
in Cancer
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
Research graphic
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedinShare on RedditShare on Telegram

Research graphic

Researchers at the University of Michigan have pioneered a groundbreaking method for detecting circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the blood of patients suffering from pancreatic and lung cancers. This new technique addresses a critical need in oncology; early detection of these elusive cells can dramatically improve patient outcomes. As tumors progress, they release cells into the bloodstream, significantly complicating the challenge of identifying these malignant cells amidst the billions of normal blood cells.

Recent studies have shown that current methods predominantly rely on labeling specific proteins on the tumor cell surfaces using fluorescent dyes. This approach, while making it easier to spot these cells under a microscope, has notable limitations. Many CTCs lack the specific proteins targeted by these dyes, leading to missed diagnoses. Furthermore, the standard techniques often kill the cells in the process of identification, preventing researchers from further analyzing them or understanding the cancer’s inner mechanisms.

To develop a solution, the research team, led by professor Sunitha Nagrath, sought to utilize biolasers for the identification of viable CTCs. Unlike traditional fluorescent dye methods, this innovative strategy stains the nucleus of the cells, a crucial part of all cells. This crucial change in approach allows for the continued viability of the cancer cells, granting researchers the golden opportunity to conduct detailed investigations after their detection.

The methodology employs a circular maze known as Labyrinth, which selectively isolates circulating tumor cells based on their size; these cells are slightly larger than typical white blood cells. In this setup, CTCs are subject to forces that separate them from smaller cells, akin to how a truck would navigate through a tight curve compared to a bicycle. This physical distinction is instrumental, as it allows the researchers to concentrate on the CTCs in a blood sample before moving on to the next phase of detection.

Once the CTCs have been isolated, they are placed between two mirrors, where they are subjected to an excitation laser that targets them one by one. When the laser intensity reaches a certain threshold, the cells emit their own laser light, transforming into “cell lasers.” This emission is significantly more powerful than the signals obtained through conventional fluorescent techniques, providing clearer and more distinct imagery of the cancer cells. This process allows researchers to glean vital insights into the organization of DNA within cancer cells, illuminating their intrinsic behavior.

The distinct images produced by the cellular laser emissions differ markedly from those captured through fluorescent techniques. While traditional imaging renders cells as glowing spherical blobs, the biolasers produce intricate shapes that reveal critical details about the cells’ internal structures. However, recognizing the complexity of these subtle differences posed a challenge; that’s where advanced machine learning algorithms became invaluable.

The research team employed a model known as the Deep Cell-Laser Classifier, which demonstrated remarkable accuracy in identifying pancreatic cancer cells, achieving a staggering 99% success rate. Even more impressively, this same model could identify lung cancer cells without needing additional training, showcasing its adaptability and robustness across different cancer types. This cross-functionality opens numerous avenues for future research, where one successful model can be leveraged against multiple cancer forms.

As the project progresses, the research team is eager to develop a more sophisticated device that not only detects but also isolates CTCs. The current procedure requires the removal of the top mirror to collect the detected cells, which can inadvertently disturb the process and cause tracking losses. To circumvent this, they envision a system that aligns cells sequentially through the laser’s path, allowing for more streamlined and accurate collection for subsequent analysis.

Moving forward, the team aims to exploit the pattern of light emitted by these cells to assess the aggressiveness of the tumors and understand their treatment responses. The intrinsic variability among circulating cells means that the information gleaned can reflect how different cancer cells respond to various therapeutic cycles, thus providing invaluable data that can influence treatment plans and patient management strategies.

The interdisciplinary nature of this project is a key factor in its success. By combining expertise from engineering, chemistry, and medicine, the research not only tackles a pressing medical issue but also stands as a testament to the power of collaborative science. The Judith Tam ALK Lung Cancer Research Initiative played a vital role in this research, facilitating detailed analyses of patient material, which might not have been possible without such partnerships.

In summary, the development of a deep-learning-assisted biolaser technology marks a significant leap in cancer research. With its potential for non-destructive cell detection and unprecedented accuracy in identifying circulating tumor cells, it paves the way for transformative advances in early cancer diagnosis and personalized medicine. As this research progresses, we are hopeful that it will not only improve survival rates but also lead to more tailored treatment options for patients facing some of the most aggressive forms of cancer.

Subject of Research: Circulating Tumor Cells
Article Title: Antigen-independent single-cell circulating tumor cell detection using deep-learning-assisted biolasers
News Publication Date: 22-Nov-2024
Web References: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bios.2024.116984
References: Published in Biosensors and Bioelectronics
Image Credits: Credit: Jacob Dwyer, Michigan Medicine

Keywords: Cancer detection, circulating tumor cells, biolasers, machine learning, University of Michigan, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer

Share12Tweet8Share2ShareShareShare2

Related Posts

Experts Advocate for a Ban on Commercial Sunbeds in the UK

October 2, 2025

Early-Onset Gastric Cancer Trends in BRICS

October 1, 2025

High-Frame Ultrasound Reveals Liver Cancer Insights

October 1, 2025

Ohio State Study Reveals Protein Quality Control Breakdown as Key Factor in Cancer Immunotherapy Failure

October 1, 2025

POPULAR NEWS

  • New Study Reveals the Science Behind Exercise and Weight Loss

    New Study Reveals the Science Behind Exercise and Weight Loss

    90 shares
    Share 36 Tweet 23
  • Physicists Develop Visible Time Crystal for the First Time

    74 shares
    Share 30 Tweet 19
  • New Study Indicates Children’s Risk of Long COVID Could Double Following a Second Infection – The Lancet Infectious Diseases

    69 shares
    Share 28 Tweet 17
  • How Donor Human Milk Storage Impacts Gut Health in Preemies

    64 shares
    Share 26 Tweet 16

About

We bring you the latest biotechnology news from best research centers and universities around the world. Check our website.

Follow us

Recent News

Link Between AIP and T2DM in NAFLD Patients

Probiotics Alleviate Ovarian Angiogenesis in PCOS Models

Gene Variants Linked to Antipsychotic-Induced Movement Disorders

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 60 other subscribers
  • Contact Us

Bioengineer.org © Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Homepages
    • Home Page 1
    • Home Page 2
  • News
  • National
  • Business
  • Health
  • Lifestyle
  • Science

Bioengineer.org © Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved.