Biologists at Tufts University School of Arts and Sciences
have discovered a bioelectric signal that can identify cells that are likely to
develop into tumors. The researchers also found that they could lower the
incidence of cancerous cells by manipulating the electrical charge across
cells' membranes.
"The news here is that we've established a bioelectric
basis for the early detection of cancer," says Brook Chernet, doctoral
student and the first author of a newly published research paper co-authored
with Michael Levin, Ph.D., professor of biology and director of the Center for
Regenerative and Developmental Biology.