Scientists: New Device Accurately Identifies Cancer in Seconds

September 6, 2017 • by Marc Airhart

A team of scientists and engineers at The University of Texas at Austin has invented the MasSpec Pen, helping improve treatment and reduce the chances of cancer recurrence.

Scientist in white labcoat and blue gloves touches a pen-like device to a red tissue sample

A team of scientists and engineers at The University of Texas at Austin has invented a powerful tool that rapidly and accurately identifies cancerous tissue during surgery, delivering results in about 10 seconds—more than 150 times as fast as existing technology. The MasSpec Pen is an innovative handheld instrument that gives surgeons precise diagnostic information about what tissue to cut or preserve, helping improve treatment and reduce the chances of cancer recurrence.

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