With over 220 million olfactory cells, the canine nose is over four times stronger than the human nose. This is why dogs have been so helpful to us in search and rescue missions, drug detection, explosive detection and now, even cancer detection.
McBaine is a regal-looking dog with attentive eyes that is part of a research held in the University of Pennsylvania. Researchers say he, and others like him, are over 90 percent successful in identifying the scent of ovarian cancer, found in tissue samples. Discoveries like this sheds new light on a disease that has no effective test for early detection, and kills 14,000 Americans a year. Past studies have found that cancer-sniffing dogs can also detect prostate cancer by smelling urine samples, with 98 percent accuracy. |
There are even examples of this amazing ability in the real world like Max, the dog that smelled his owner's breast cancer. Despite these findings and stories, there is still some skepticism whether this method can be used on a large scale. As a result, most current research is focusing on how to copy the canine ability to smell the disease, either with a machine or a chemical test. When the dogs "smell cancer", what they really smell are the chemicals emitted by the tumor which are called volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. The hope of chemists, doctors and physicists is to create an "electronic nose" to mimic this ability. This method is preferred because using dogs in a clinical setting isn't very practical. In addition, they take a long time to train and their effectiveness can vary from breed to breed, and from dog to dog. |
Even if dogs will never be officially used as medical "cancer sniffers" their ability is still truly remarkable. It's another reminder that they are called "man's best friend" for a good reason. |
Take Our Quiz And Learn to Identify Skin Cancer
This quiz offers a unique and interactive guide for you to learn how to recognize cancerous moles. This one is very important!
If You Love Dogs, Then Avoid Doing These Things With Them
Even though you love your dog, you might be annoying it with some of your habits. Watch to find out more...
Alcohol Linked To More Cancer Types Than Previously Known
A new study found a clear correlation between alcohol consumption and more types of cancer than previously known.
Does COVID-19 Affect Pets?
The first dog was tested positive in Hong Kong recently. What does it mean and what is the effect of the corona virus on pets?
9 Myths About Mushrooms BUSTED For Good
Can we eat mushrooms raw or must we cook them first? Do they all have medicinal properties? And how can they help with cancer?
What is the Connection Between Dogs and a Long Life?
As if we need more proof that dogs are amazing, a new study confirms owning a dog is linked to living longer.
Adorable! This is What Your Cat Wants You to Know!
While it may be easier to understand the language of dogs, the behavior of cats, is quite different. Let's take a look at what our cat wants us to know!
20 Cats Who Just Love to Take Photos of Themselves
20 cats trying to figure out their best angles, taking their best selfies.
Heart Melting: These Animals All Want a Hug!
The animals in this video want nothing more than your love and your hugs, it's enough to melt anyone's heart.
These Hilarious Dogs Will Leave You Gasping for Air
Not only are dogs loyal, cute, and smart (sometimes), they can, as these clips prove, also be extremely funny!
Bumblebees Are Even Cuter Than We Imagined!
Believe it or not, bumblebees like to play ball. Here's what it looks like.
Cows are the Cutest, But This One is Something Special
He acts just like one of the family dogs! And the best part? They're all best buddies!
These Cat Comics Are Funny, Adorable and Quite Correct!
These comics are hilarious, and should be well understood by anyone who has ever met a cat.
These Cute Little Fellas Will One Day be Deadly Hunters!
Pictures of cute cubs of wild cats
This Man Built a Squirrel Obstacle Course In His Yard...
This video is one of the most fun things I've seen all week!
A Sweet Moment: Adorable Kids and Loveable Animals
These kids with pictured with animals are going to make your heart melt away...
Why Is This Adorable Kitten Wearing a Helmet?
Today we introduce you to the inspirational story of Otter, a special needs cat who lives and thrives against all odds.
These Friendships Are Unlikely, but Extremely Cute!
The following photos are proof that animals can form unexpected, but awesome friendships!
If You Love Shiba Dogs, This Video is For You!
This video is going to delight any dog lover, and a Shiba dog lover especially! Hear all the adorable sounds that a Shiba Inu dog makes.
Five Fun Facts about the Adorable Fennec Fox
The fennec fox is extremely cute. Here are some fun facts about this adorable animal!
Get Ready to Feel All Warm and Fuzzy With These Dog Comics
Get ready to feel all warm and fuzzy with these heartwarming and cute dog comics by .Hey Buddy Comics’.
I Couldn't Help But Laugh at This Dog's Urge to Sing
Watch this French bulldog sing-a-long with his owner!
These Cute Animal Friends Will Brighten Up the Darkest Day
We all want a best friend and some of us are still looking, but these animals have found theirs, and the results are too cute for words.
Mussa the Adorable Baby Chimp Gets a Second Chance at Life
Adorable baby chimp Mussa survived capture and is now learning how to survive in the wild
These Insanely Cute Baby Fox Photos will Melt Your Heart
No matter how cunning foxes may be, these 20 adorable baby fox pictures will melt your heart. You can find some fox facts between the photos.
This Wild Crow Comes to Play with This Family's Pets!
This is a story of a wild crow who became a daily guest this happy family's home, and how she started playing with the family pets!
These Baby Animals with Their Parents Are Just Too Cute...
When baby animals and their parents get together for a photo op, the cuteness level just goes off the charts! Take a look at these 24 adorable pictures.
Hilarious! These Memes Prove Why Dogs Are Awesome
These adorable canines will remind you that if you don't have a dog in your life, than your life is only half complete.
Pets Are Awesome: An Adorable and Sweet Compilation
A compilation of incredibly adorable cats and dogs being their silly selves.
These Adorable Animal-Friends are Incredibly Heartwarming
Enjoy 16 heartwarming photos of animal friends.
Is There Anything Cuter Than a Golden Retriever Puppy?
What's cuter than a Golden Retriever? A Golden Retriever puppy, of course! You've got to check out this photo gallery, which will melt your heart!
17 Sweet Moments That Show Why Every Child Needs a Dog
If you have a dog and small children at home, you’ve probably already their wonderful friendships. If not, the following 17 pictures will show just that.
You Wouldn't Believe What These Cross Breed Cats Look Like
These cross breed cats will surprise you with their genetic make up.
This Hamster Video May Be the Cutest Yet
This is one of the most adorable ideas for a pet video I've ever seen.
Let These Adorable and Funny Puppies Brighten Up Your Day
We tried not to laugh at this cute and funny puppy compilation, but it was just too difficult...
Are Cats Smarter Than Dogs? This Clip Will Surprise You!
Are cats smarter than dogs? Perhaps not! This video will reveal the truth once and for all...
Prepare Yourselves For the Cutest Baby Goat Video Ever
This funny and adorable video of kid goats is bound to make your day.
25 Precious Animal Moments You’ve Got to See
Here’s the photo collection you’ve been waiting for...
These 18 Hilarious Cats Have No Idea How to Be Graceful!
Have you ever seen a cat behaving a little bit peculiar? Here are 18 photos of cats who are just not as graceful as they should be - and all the better for it!
20 Sweet Pictures of Kittens Becoming Adult Cats
These heartwarming pictures capture the progression of kittens growing up into full-grown felines.
Working from Home Means Having the CUTEST Colleagues
These pet owners posted their funniest pictures on twitter, capturing their cats and dogs ‘helping’ them work from home.
Cuddly, Cheeky, and Goofy - 25 Charming Ginger Cats!
These 25 pictures show the majestic ginger cats in all of their glory.
If You Ever Wondered Why People Love Dogs - This is Why
This is a tribute to the best friend that a man can have. Hear Hear to our favorite 4-legged friends!
Nothing Gladdens the Heart Like Animals and Their Young!
Like parent, like child, but these animals take this a step further while being adorable!
15 Dogs That Have No Idea About How Enormous They Are
These dogs may be cute as can be in spite of their enormous size, but they really have no idea just how large they are. Here are 15 clueless, gigantic dogs.
Cute Corner: The Most Adorable Cat Dad
Adorable cat father plays and sleeps with his kittens.