Name: The future of early cancer detection?
Uploaded: 2014-10-15T15:09:36Z
Duration: 11 min 7 s
Description: Along with a crew of technologists and scientists, Jorge Soto is developing a simple, noninvasive, open-source test that looks for early signs of multiple forms of cancer. Onstage at TEDGlobal 2014, he demonstrates a working prototype of the mobile platform for the first time.

Along with a crew of technologists and scientists, Jorge Soto is developing a simple, noninvasive, open-source test that looks for early signs of multiple forms of cancer. Onstage at TEDGlobal 2014, he demonstrates a working prototype of the mobile platform for the first time.

The future of early cancer detection?

Cancer often goes undetected until it's too late, as shown by the story of an active, healthy woman whose diagnosis came only after six months of testing. While treatments have evolved, most people still lack access to early and accurate diagnostic methods. Harnessing microRNAs in the bloodstream, scientists have developed a noninvasive, low-cost blood test that can identify several cancers before symptoms appear. This open-source technology promises to democratize early detection and transform the fight against cancer.