What's happened
Researchers have developed innovative methods to make skin and muscle tissues transparent using a food dye called tartrazine. This reversible technique could significantly improve medical diagnostics, including cancer detection and monitoring of internal organs. The findings were published in the journal Science on September 12, 2024.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, researchers from Stanford University have successfully turned skin and muscle tissues transparent using tartrazine, a common food dye. Guosong Hong, a senior author of the study, noted that this method could revolutionize medical diagnostics by improving visibility for procedures like blood draws and cancer treatments. Meanwhile, SBS highlights the DermR Patch, a new cancer screening test developed by Australian researcher Stefan Mazy, which uses microneedles to collect tissue samples for genomic analysis. Mazy's innovation aims to make cancer screening less invasive and more accessible, particularly for those hesitant about traditional biopsy methods. Both articles underscore the potential of these advancements to enhance medical practices and patient outcomes.
How we got here
The study, led by Stanford University scientists, explores the physics of light scattering in skin tissues. Traditional methods for achieving transparency often damage living tissues, prompting the search for safer alternatives. The use of tartrazine marks a breakthrough in this area.
More on these topics
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Stanford University, officially Leland Stanford Junior University, is a private research university in Stanford, California. Stanford is ranked among the top five universities in the world in major education publications.