Now, a machine that can smell if you have cancer

London, Feb 21 (ANI): British scientists have invented a machine which can "smell" cancer.

Brainchild of academics at Cranfield University in Bedfordshire, the Breathotron detects chemical changes in a patient's breath, which doctors say could show they have a tumour and give an earlier diagnosis than is possible now, reports The Mirror.

Professor Hugh Barr, who is leading the research, said: "This is a very exciting development which could dramatically influence the way cancer is diagnosed in years to come.

"Instead of using our eyes, the Breathotron allows us to use an '­enhanced nose' to try to sniff out the early stages of cancer."

The invention follows medical research papers that concluded that cancer cells give off an odour. (ANI)