NEW The Hindu
Mon 07 Sep 2026 11:25:08 AM
Can dogs sniff cancer? AI joins the hunt in India
SUMMARY
Researchers in India are combining dogs' extraordinary sense of smell with artificial intelligence to detect cancer early. Dogs can sniff volatile organic compounds released by cancer cells in breath, urine, or blood samples. Indian scientists are training dogs alongside AI algorithms to analyze scent patterns, improving diagnostic accuracy. This low-cost, non-invasive approach could revolutionize cancer screening in rural areas with limited medical infrastructure. Early trials show promising results in detecting lung, breast, and oral cancers, potentially saving thousands of lives through early intervention.
Relevant For:
Prelims + Mains
GS - III
Science & Technology
Focus Area
AI in healthcare
Cancer detection
Biomedical technology
Medical innovation
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