Combining the DNA that gives a jellyfish its eerie glow with ordinary yeast, like the kind used in bread or beer, scientists at the University of Manchester in England have created a new tool that zeroes in on substances that cause cancer. Those substances that cause cancer in humans also are dangerous to yeast. Yeast, like other organisms, has built-in proteins that repair its DNA when it comes under attack. When scientists see those repair proteins, it's a sign the yeast DNA is on the defensive, meaning a potentially cancer-causing chemical is present. Seeing the repair proteins is where the jellyfish come in.
Researchers use genetic engineering to combine the jellyfish glow with the yeast.
The glow can be measured by sensors and analyzed by computer, so eventually the A researcher prepares to test a substance for carcinogens process could be automated. Its inventors say the process could help screen potential new pharmaceuticals or safety-check food and cosmetics. And our test is aimed at cutting the cost and increasing the speed of testing for those chemicals so that we have a better idea of whether or not they're going to cause a problem when people are exposed to them. One day, the researchers hope the device is portable enough to take out into the field and test water for contamination. Correspondent Ann Kellan contributed to this report.