THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Blowing air with an open mouth could henceforth detect diseases, including cancer and tuberculosis. Early detection of the disease can reduce the mortality rate by providing timely treatment. For the first time in the country, a sensor technology that detects diseases by monitoring the fluctuations of 'Volatile Organic Compounds' (VOCs) has been developed by a startup called 'Accuibits Invent' operating at the Bio 360 Life Science Park. A patent has also been obtained.

A device called VolTrac was developed to detect lung cancer, asthma, and tuberculosis. Volatile organic compounds are carbon-containing substances that easily turn into gases. They are present in breath and sweat. The levels are higher in the bodies of people with the disease. If VOCs are above a certain

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