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Nanoparticles can help diagnose life-threatening diseases before the first symptoms appear
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025

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A Google research team has begun work on a new technology that, according to its developers, will use nanoparticles to detect cancer, cardiovascular disease and other life-threatening illnesses at early stages of development. Andrew Conrad is leading the new project.
The researchers conceived diagnostics using a special tablet with nanoparticles, which after entering the body begin to collect information and transmit it to a special device, which is built into the patient's wristband. The key point in such diagnostics is constant monitoring of the biochemical composition of the blood. Even minor changes in the blood composition can indicate the development of a particular disease, which will help the doctor get his bearings and prescribe additional diagnostics.
Nanoparticles contain various antibodies that begin to interact with proteins and cells in the human body. The likelihood of developing the disease is determined by whether the nanoparticle was able to detect a receptor for the antigen embedded in it.
Currently, specialists are developing a portable magnetic device capable of attracting and counting particles. Such a device will transmit all information not only to the patient, but also to his attending physician. Scientists assume that their development will help to identify diseases even before the first symptoms appear, which is important from a therapeutic point of view, since the earlier the disease is identified and treatment is started, the more favorable the prognosis for the patient.
Another interesting development by Google will be the creation of an online platform that will be available to doctors from all over the world. Specialists from one of the Californian universities are developing an online platform based on Google Earth engine data. As the developers assure, their program will help find out where a malaria epidemic may begin, which annually takes the lives of more than 600 thousand people, most of whom are children and teenagers.
Experts note that the program will help to spend resources more efficiently and wisely through targeted actions in the fight against diseases, which is important for countries with medium and low living standards.
At present, efforts to combat malaria are not very productive due to lack of awareness.
Epidemiologist and biostatistician Hugh Sturrock notes that most countries make one mistake: they stop anti-malaria activities just a few steps away from success. According to the specialist, the main reason for this behavior is precisely the lack of information.
Given that malaria spreads quickly, resources allocated to combat the disease are simply wasted. But the developers claim that the new map system will tell you where exactly it is necessary to carry out a pinpoint strike to immediately block the spread of the virus, while the program will show areas that will need total cleansing. Preliminary tests of the program will take place in Swaziland. Scientists also note that the online platform can be independently adjusted to monitor other infectious diseases.