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. |
7 Natural and Effective Home Remedies for Your Dog
Try out these natural home remedies to treat a range of health issues for your beloved canine companion.
Science Breakthrough: An Immunization Against Skin Cancer?
This scientific breakthrough offers hope for those who are struggling with skin cancer. You are now invited to discover more about this revolutionary vaccine.
If You Have a Dog, Here's How Apple Cider Vinegar Can Help
Not many people are aware that you can use apple cider vinegar for their dog. Here's how!
How to Tell Your Children You Have Cancer
What's the right way to tell your children you have cancer, and are there situations where you shouldn't?
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!
This is What Bad Breath Says About Your Health...
Bad breath doesn’t necessary mean poor hygiene, but it could be the symptom of an untreated disease. Find out more here!
Proof! Dogs Really Are the Most Affectionate Animals!
Dogs have been trying to communicate these sweet sentiments to us for ages, and now finally 14 of them have learned how to say "I love you". And it's beautiful!
An Unlikely Friendship Between Chickens and a Pitbull
One of our favorite things to observe in the domestic animals kingdom is the unlikely friendships that form.
What Could Be Cuter Than This Collection of Sweet Alpacas?
It's impossible to look at these wonderful alpacas without smiling. Just try it!
Kindergartner and Funny Duck Are the Best of Friends
Ducks aren't very popular as pets, as they can be rowdy and noisy, but Tyler doesn't mind it at all, as he loves his pet duck.
Have You Seen a Flock of Guinea Pigs?
Did you know that Guinea pigs are social animals? Watch a flock of 80 Guinea pigs live and mingle with other animals.
18 Samoyed Photos That Will Undoubtedly Brighten Your Day!
Here are 18 cute and funny photos of Samoyeds. After you have seen them, you'll want your own!
This Family Thought They Brought Home a Dog, Not a Cat!
Dogs are highly adaptable creatures, like Mako, the table-climbing dog who was likely raised by cats and is now convinced that he is one!
20 Sweet Pictures of Kittens Becoming Adult Cats
These heartwarming pictures capture the progression of kittens growing up into full-grown felines.
Can There Be Anything Cuter Than a Tiny Horse?
As soon as I saw the first picture of a tiny horse, my heart melted. This collection will make you weak at the knees.
Puppies and Babies Make The Cutest Sleeping Partners Ever
What is cuter than a sleepy puppy. The answer is contained in this video - a sleepy puppy AND a sleeping baby!
Animal Fun: 20 Adorable Trouble Makers!
This compilation will take you to 20 different animals at their most naughty moments.
This Hamster Video May Be the Cutest Yet
This is one of the most adorable ideas for a pet video I've ever seen.
Seeing Animals Hug May Just Be the Best Thing Ever
Is there anything more endearing than animals hugging?
Nothing Gladdens the Heart Like Animals and Their Young!
Like parent, like child, but these animals take this a step further while being adorable!
Cats Are the Best Alarm Clock, No Doubt.
Who needs a phone when there is such a better way of waking up?
You Wouldn't Believe What These Cross Breed Cats Look Like
These cross breed cats will surprise you with their genetic make up.
These Adorable Cats Are Having a Bad Jump Day...
These cats are having an off day - and it's pretty hilarious!
Too Cute! An Adopted Raccoon Thinks That She's a Dog
This baby raccoon was found with a broken leg in a back yard. Having been adopted by the family that found her, she now thinks that she's a dog. These adorably cute photos will have you saying 'ohhh' throughout.
These Animals Are All So Happy to See You!
These animals all possess something endearing.
Enjoy 60 of the Cutest and Funniest Elephant Videos!
This video compilation includes 60 of the funniest and most adorable short videos of elephants being kind, hilarious, helpful and silly!
Corgi Goes With Everything: 16 Adorable Corgi Mixes!
Corgis are among the cutest dogs imaginable, and whenever you mix them with another breed - you still get a cutie pie! Feast your eyes on 16 adorable mixes.
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.
Beware: These Little Pups Leave No Food Safe!
Don't just leave your food lying around, you never know when a hungry pup with a sense for adventure might be lurking about...
These Puppies are Facing Their Greatest Enemy: Stairs
Puppies vs. Stairs is probably the cutest things you'll see all week!
Labradors are So Much Fun to be Around!
This hilarious compilation brings you the best and funniest from one of the best dog breeds in the world.
Grandma Loves Her Kangaroo
This kangaroo is just like a little baby craving hugs and kisses, and it's unbelievably adorable!
Too Cute! These Happy Dogs Will Make You Smile
These are 15 of the happiest dogs, with the best smiles on the internet.
This Dancing 3-Year-Old Will Definitely Make Your Day!
This dancing Chinese toddler will make your day. It doesn't get much cuter than this!
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!
Cute Kitten Becomes Obsessed With a Lizard - Aww!
This funny little feline named Atlas insists on having very unusual company. Her best friend is none other than a big green lizard named Junior...
These 20 Photos Prove that Dogs Make Great Pillows
When you combine kids and dogs taking a nap, you are gifted with a recipe of cuteness.
Who Says That Cats and Dogs Don't Get Along?
These dogs are determined to make friends with cats... and eventually they succeed.
Presenting the Cutest Hugging Compilation You'll Ever See!
If you’re looking for some warm fuzzy feelings, your heart will sore as you watch even ferocious animals cuddle with their human friends.
Getting Along Like...Cats and Dogs?
While conventional wisdom states that cats and dogs were born natural enemies, this isn't always the case.
The Funny Differences That Exist Between Cats and Dogs
These humorous photos highlight brilliantly the differences that exist between our beloved cats and dogs.
9 Tiny and Adorable Creatures You Won't Want to Let Go Of
Take a look at some of the cutest baby animals around!
Naughty Dogs That'll Split Your Sides and Melt Your Heart
Naughty dogs tend to do the funniest yet cutest things. This hilarious video is guaranteed to split your sides with laughter!
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’.
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!
Cats Blissfully Sleep in the Most Intriguing of Places...
These hilarious photos prove that cats will lay their head just about anywhere.
Too Cute! See These Babies React to Their Dad Coming Home
In this baby videos compilation, you will see happy babies who can't get enough of their dads the moment they come home.