Google sets its sights on finding hidden cancers with nanoparticles

In a pioneering research, a Google life sciences team - which has two senior Indian-origin researchers - is set to find signs of deadly diseases like cancer by sending 'nanoparticles' in the bloodstream of a person and then get the results via a wearable device. The aim is to provide an early warning system for life-threatening diseases which can lead to an effective treatment, Wall Street Journal reported.

'Every test you ever go to the doctor for will be done through this system,' Andrew Conrad, head of the Life Sciences team at the Google X research lab, was quoted as saying at a WSJ conference. The tiny 'nanoparticles' will be delivered via a pill. They would attach themselves to cells, proteins or other molecules inside the body to find out of something is wrong. (Read: 10 simple lifestyle changes to prevent cancer)

Researchers are currently looking for coatings that will help 'nanoparticles' bind to specific cells, the report added. According to Conrad, the firm will not collect or store medical data itself but will license the technology to others. Google has hired more than 100 experts for the project from disciplines including astrophysicists, immunology, biology, oncology, cardiology and chemistry.

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Vikram (Vik) Bajaj, scientific lead for Google X's nanotechnology programme, is one of the members of the Google life sciences team. Bajaj is an expert in areas like molecular imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for diagnostics, the structural biology of neurodegenerative disease, millimeter wave devices and clinical bioinformatics. The other Indian-origin researcher is Sanjeev Mariathasan, scientific lead for systems immunology on the nanotechnology project. Mariathasan's research interests include mechanisms of inflammation, malignant blood disorders and infectious disease. (Read: 10 simple ways to prevent cancer (gallery))

Food guidelines to prevent cancer:

Focus more on plant based foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, pulses etc. Start your day with fruits and nuts. Have some whole grain cereal for breakfast. Make sure to have a big portion of salad with vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, beetroot, cucumbers etc pre-lunch and pre-dinner. Carry snacks like fruits, trail mixes (sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, almonds, walnuts etc), opt for sandwiches with multigrain breads and lot of veggies in it.
Fiber is the key component to prevent cancer. All plant based foods are rich in fiber which helps to keep your digestive system clean and healthy and push the cancer causing compounds out of the gut before they can harm you. You can add fiber to your diet by replacing white rice with brown rice, eating the fruits with skin, choosing popcorn over potato chips etc.
Avoid processed foods. The more you eat food in its original form, the better protection it gives. For example instead of drinking orange juice, peel and eat the orange or prepare oatmeal porridge with raisins rather than having an oatmeal raisin cookie. Read more about Top 10 food habits to prevent cancer

With inputs from IANS

Photo source: Getty images

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