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We’ve seen 3D-printed cells, organs, and even body parts over the last few years. But in Philadelphia, a team of scientists is printing cancerous tumors—modeling the very things that are threatening to kill patients in order to understand how to quell them.

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Researchers at the University of Tennessee’s Center for Laser Applications have developed a femtosecond laser that can non-invasively diagnose, map, irradiate and burn cancerous tumors. Utilizing a beam that pulses at one-quadrillionth of a second, the technology is able to seek out growths and obliterate them with an increased burst of intensity. “Using ultra-short light pulses gives us the ability to focus in a well confined region and the ability for intense radiation,” says Associate Professor of Physics Christian Parigger. “This allows us to come in and leave a specific area quickly so we can diagnose and attack tumorous cells fast.” The swift, precise technique can avoiding heating up adjacent, healthy tissues and has potential for use in outpatient procedures, particularly for people afflicted with brain tumors. For now, however, the scientists are working with the non-profit University of Tennessee Research Foundation to bring their tech to market. Roll past the jump for the press release and a glimpse of the laser in action.

Continue reading Researchers develop femtosecond laser that can diagnose, blast cancerous tumors

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Researchers develop femtosecond laser that can diagnose, blast cancerous tumors originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Jul 2012 05:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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