Locusts have been found to diagnose cancer by ‘smell’: so what will it help us?

Grasshoppers, one of the insect species living on our planet, may have some interesting traits, although they are known to scare many people. located in the USA from Michigan State University Scientists also found that locusts, or migrating locusts, as is known, can distinguish cancer cells from healthy cells by smell.

The researchers also stated that the locusts can distinguish between different cancer cells. This study, showing that locusts can be used in early cancer diagnosis, was published on BioRxiv in recent months.

Grasshoppers could be used to build devices that can diagnose cancer

First, let’s say that people who are afraid of these insects need not worry about the possibility of locusts flocking to the practice. The researchers concluded that only the study results: Devices that can detect cancer early with patient breath and use insect sensory neurons that it can form the basis for

Experts argue that while it may seem like a dream now, such devices could become widespread in the future. This is because technologies that enhance our natural senses and outperform these are common and useful. For example, telescopes and microscopes can show us things we can’t normally see. They say this is also the case with smell, scientists say they are used from diagnosis of COVID to finding drugs. dogs show this as an example.

So they are working on a device that can mimic the sense of smell. Debajit Saha, one of the researchers, said humanity has been around for more than 15 years. ‘electronic nose’ that it works on devices that we can call he states, however, that the desired perfection has not yet been reached.

Gas detection equipment can save lives, especially by playing a role in the early detection of deadly diseases such as cancer. Experts say survival of people with cancer detected in the first stage 80% to 90% emphasizes the importance of this. Cancer cells work differently from healthy cells and form different chemical compounds as they grow. The fact that these reach the patient’s airways shows that the disease can be detected by breathing.

Locusts can distinguish three different cancers by smell

The team worked on the subject and chose to work with grasshoppers. Researchers in the brains of animals electrodes He recorded their response to healthy and cancer cells by linking them together and achieved these surprising results. These electrodes were placed to pick up signals from antennas that grasshoppers use to detect odors. Experts stated that this system can be used in the diagnosis of cancer.

In addition, a very interesting ability of the locusts was discovered through the research. The team delivered a gas containing three different cancer cells to the grasshoppers through a device they had developed. As a result, the locusts’ brains were seen to react differently to each tissue and to be able to identify diseased cells. One of the researchers, Christopher Contag, is also concerned about this.It was amazing how insects could distinguish between three different cancers.” the sentences used.

According to the statements, scientists used their detection systems. detect by human breath continues to work for With the goal of developing insect-free wearable sensors using only biological components, the team in early detection of cancer emphasizes that it can play an important role.