Researchers in Switzerland have developed an implant that can detect common types of cancer in the body and act as an early warning system by causing a small mole to form on skin. A team from Zurich’s Federal Institute of Technology (ETHZ) have developed a prototype implant which can be inserted under the skin. It contains a network of cells which constantly monitor calcium levels in the body. Cancer can cause calcium levels to rise in the body. The implant detects when a threshold is exceeded and triggers the production of melanin, causing a small dark mole to form. The implant can recognise the four most common types of cancer – prostate, lung, colon and breast cancer – at a very early stage. Cancer is the main cause of death alongside cardiovascular disease in industrialised countries. However, many of those affected are only diagnosed after a tumour has developed extensively. “Early detection increases the chance of survival significantly,” said Martin Fussenegger, ...
