Video: Pen diagnoses cancer for 10 seconds

Scientists at the University of Texas, USA, developed a pen-shaped handheld device that can detect cancer in just 10 seconds.

The pen is designed for medical professionals to use during surgery.

The pen is designed for medical professionals to use during surgery. After taking a tissue sample, the surgeon uses a pen connected to the mass spectrometer and uses a foot pump to begin the analysis.

The water pump passes through the pen through the tube and forms a small droplet. This droplet absorbs molecules from the tissue, then passes back to the tube for analysis. The machine then looks at the molecules to look for signs of cancer and provides diagnosis in 10 seconds.