A virus that’s associated with bladder cancer has been detected by an international team of scientists using a biomedical detection technology developed by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Biologist Crystal Jaing explains that their Microbial Detection Array can analyze any of the sequenced viruses, bacteria, fungi and other organisms, within 24 hours.

"So, this is really a breakthrough technology because it is much faster and cheaper than DNA sequencing and it can analyze thousands of microbes all with one test."

In terms of bladder cancer, Jaing says the researchers involved had suspected a viral cause – as opposed to just smoking. They knew about the Lab’s technology and reached out to them for help. The technology found this viral link – human herpesvirus8.

"We’re pretty excited about applying this technology to the cancer field. This can help us through early detection, so we can use it potentially as a biomarker to detect bladder cancer early on."