Google developing nanoparticles to detect cancer

Google X, the internet giant’s research unit, is reportedly working on a technology project that combines disease-detecting nanoparticles, which would enter a patient’s bloodstream via a swallowed pill, with a wrist-worn sensor. The technology aims to constantly monitor the blood for the unique traces of cancer, allowing diagnosis long before any physical symptoms appear. “What we are trying to do is change medicine from reactive and transactional to proactive and preventative,” said Dr. Andrew Conrad, a molecular biologist who is leading the diagnostic project. “Nanoparticles give you the ability to explore the body at a molecular and cellular level,” Dr. Conrad said. These nanoparticles are intended to match markers for different conditions. They could be tailored to stick to a cancerous cell or a fragment of cancerous DNA. They could also find evidence of fatty plaques about to break free from the lining of blood vessels. These can cause a heart attack or stroke if they stop the flow of blood. “You can recall those nanoparticles to a single location - because they are magnetic - and that location is the superficial vasculature of the wrist, [where] you can ask them what they saw,” said Dr. Conrad. The tech company will also create a wristband that would take readings of the nanoparticles via light and radio waves one or more times a day. Google has hired more than 100 experts for the nanotechnology project from disciplines including astrophysicists, immunology, biology, oncology, cardiology and chemistry. PTI