Mosquitoes helping cancer research




We slap them, hate them, and spray ourselves with chemicals to try and avoid them. But the mosquito is much more than just a disease carrying nuisance.
Now, scientists have found a way to collect biopsy samples from potential cancer patients without the complications from the standard biopsy needle. And we have the mosquito to thank. Below is the summary.

This study investigates mosquito proboscis-inspired (MPI) insertion applied to the clinically used biopsy needle to reduce tissue deformation and organ displacement.

The proboscis of the mosquito is that needle like structure that pierces your skin allowing the female insect to get at your blood. But it's not really a singular entity. The proboscis is actually a total of six parts, all working together in order to find the most efficient way to ingest your life fluid.

Scientists can now use a needle based from the mosquito proboscis in order to extract the tissue needed for a biopsy to determine if cancer is present or not. Generally, using the standard needle, organs could be moved and other tissue damaged when trying to pinpoint the exact location to retrieve the biopsy sample. This sometimes leads to misdiagnosis.

Using this insect inspired needle, however, allows doctors to be more accurate without disturbing other tissue or organs. This thin needle works like the proboscis with six parts all functioning together for the most accurate and fairly painless procedure. Click below for the original article.

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