A team of researchers from the University of New South Wales has recently turned a so called electric nose into a cancer detector, as per a recent report published in the European Respiratory Journal. While the electric nose is a tool that detects explosives residues by sniffing them, it is being used to sob malignant mesothelioma now.

Malignant mesothelioma, according to the researchers, is a form of cancer, which is caused as a result of exposure to asbestos. And the CyraNose 3200, the device in the name of proboscis's extremely large nose, was used to sniff out the same for its ability to detect chemical vapours. Though, it is usually known for its airport security applications.

It is being said that the idea to use the device for cancer testing arrived when it was found that breathe testing was easy for patients of any age. Whether he is a child or an elderly or a young, can undergo the same with much convenience as compared to other invasive tests.

Since, the disease mesothelioma is caused because of inhalation of asbestos, thus, it was found easy to be detected via CyraNose, which can also diagnose the same early. "What we now need to do is look at a larger number of patients", Professor Deborah Yates said.