Space telescope technology to help scan tumors to combat cancer

[ignhelper]

Where once X-ray telescope technology probed the farthest reaches of the universe, it now will be utilized to examine objects much, much closer--and microscopic--on Earth.
Working with the University of Tokyo and Keio University, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) plans to develop a microscope to detect difficult-to-find cancer cells based on technology used for the X-ray astronomy satellite Hitomi.
“It is extremely rare that space observation technology, a form of fundamental science, is connected with clinical medicine,” said Saku Tsuneta, director-general of JAXA’s Institute of Space and Astronautical Science. “We expect the project will produce an epoch-making achievement.”
The project is aimed at creating a medical microscope 50 times more precise than existing equipment to identify cancer stem cells in tumors. The scientists intend to develop a prototype within two to three years.
While cancer stem cells are said to be associated with the generation of tumors, it is difficult to tell them apart from other cells in tumors. With existing microscopes, that type of cell cannot be examined in bodies of living creatures.
A high-precision X-ray microscope needs to be used to locate cancer stem cells in animals’ bodies after radioisotopes, combined with chemical compounds that can attach themselves only to cancer stem cells, are produced.
http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201804150001.html

Fuck yea science