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. |
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...
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.
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?
Not What You Though - How Healthy Skin REALLY Looks Like
Short, concise, and straight to the point - here are 5 skin health myths busted with clear scientific explanations.
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.
How mRNA Technology Could Be Used to Fight Cancer
Scientists now believe that the mRNA technology used to develop some COVID-19 vaccines could be applied to develop a cancer treatment.
Cats Are Heartless? Watch What This Cat Does for a Friend
Dog with separation anxiety receives unexpected help from cat
These Cats Really Are Excited for Christmas
Humans are not the only ones who get excited for Christmas. Check out these 18 photos which show that cats also love the festive season - especially the trees!
These Cats Are Masters at Hiding! Can You Find Them All?
Cats seem to be masters at staying out of sight, and we bet you can't find all of them!
This Baby Lives With Huskies And Their Life is Adorable!
This little girl lives with huskies and it seems as if they are doing a wonderful job raising her!
Ever Hear of THESE Mixed Dog Breeds? 50 Beautiful Pairings
This post will show you no less than 50 of the most adorable mixes of dogs you may have never encountered before.
Hilarious! These Animals Are So Annoyed By Their Children
Who doesn't like to look at funny animal pictures? Brighten up your day with this collection of cute and funny animal family photos.
This Seal Was Abandoned by Its Mother, So They Stepped In
Marshmallow the baby seal was abandoned and would not have survived on his own, they saved his life and released him back into the wild.
These Rabbit Clips are Sure to Sweeten Your Day!
This rabbit compilation video is one of the cutest things you'll see all year.
These Special Breeds of Dogs Are Absolutely Charming
These beautiful dogs form new species of dogs we've never seen before...
Tibetan Mastiffs: The Most Beautiful Big Dogs In the World
Tibetan Mastiffs are beautiful beasts and absolutely adorable pets to keep around, and these pictures are absolute proof
I've Never Seen a Cockatiel Sing Like This. I'm Amazed!
I knew cockatiels can talk, but I never knew that some of their community are THIS talented!
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...
Cute Overload: Time for New Doggie Haircuts!
These cute, cuddly, doggies are so wonderfully furry but they need a hair cut. Click on the dog to see it shorn!
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...
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...
23 Cats Prove That Some Felines are Simply Fearless
These cats don't know the first thing about fear, and will tackle just about any other animal.
Labradors Can be Among the Funniest of Dogs...
Watch as these usually obedient dogs do the craziest things!
Nothing Gladdens the Heart Like Animals and Their Young!
Like parent, like child, but these animals take this a step further while being adorable!
12 Puppies That Look Just Like Stuffed Bears
No, they’re not fluffy stuffed toys. These are the most adorable pups that look just like teddy bears!
You Won't Believe How Much Animals Change After Adoption!
Check out this collection of photos of animals before and after they were adopted. You won't believe how much some of them have changed!
FUNNY: Can Animals Talk? Try to Get These to Shut Up!
Science may not believe that animals have language, but try telling that to these fellas!
How Cute Are These Photos? Really Darn Cute!
These animals are experiencing things for the first time, and the results are absolutely hilarious. Be prepared to laugh.
No Cribs Can Contain These Super Babies!
Babies can do some incredible things. These ones go the next level and perform daring (and hilarious) escapes from their cribs.
Let Me Make Your Day Better With Some Bunnies...
Who can resist a good bunny? I hope these bunnies start your day off right!
16 Times Cat Logic Made No Sense At All...
Cats don't always make clear what their plan is... so at times their logic seems... hilarious!
These Comic Strips Will Give You Warm Fuzzy Feelings
In each comic strip, Buddy Gator finds a new way to make his friends smile and feel welcome.
These Guinea Pigs Have Nicer Hair Than Most Humans
It's incredible to think there there are some guinea pigs out there that have even better hair than humans, but it's completely true. See these 15 cute pics.
These Beautiful and Adorable Animals Are Enjoying Sniffing..
Apparently animals love flowers as much as humans do, as is evidenced by these super-cute pictures. Here are 14 animals enjoying the sweet scent of flowers.
Babies Dance Just as Well... If Not Better Than Adults Do!
These babies will teach you to dance like nobody is watching!
That Priceless Look When a Cat Knows it's at the Vet...
If you want to know how cats feel when they are down to see the vet, these pictures show you it's just like when you have to see the doctor!
Adorable: These Cats Are So In Love!
These two munchkin cats are very much in love.
When Animals Were Found At Random Places (17 Funny Pics)
Laugh out loud with these adorable and amusing pictures of animals spotted in the most random places.
Feeling Down? Adorable Puppies Are Here For You!
These dogs have got their puppy dog eyes spot on. We guarantee that you won't be able to resist their adorable little faces.
Feeling Down? Let These Adorable Calves Brighten Your Day!
When you think of something cute, a calf is one of the last things that you'd think of. However, as you're about see, they can be incredibly cute too.
Five Fun Facts about the Adorable Fennec Fox
The fennec fox is extremely cute. Here are some fun facts about this adorable animal!
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!
A Sweeter Friendship Than This One Is Hard to Find...
This goes to show you - animals can have an even better code of conduct than humans do.
These Animals Have a LOT to Say!
This video is full of the cutest talkative animals and pets!
This Moment of Sweetness Will Warm Your Hearts
You thought dogs and cats were natural enemies? Here's proof against that old claim.
Animals Can Really Be Great Team Players Sometimes...
Teamwork often gets things done much more quickly and easily, and these animals seem to be clued in to that fact! Take a look at these 15 photos.