Researchers in Colombia have created a bra which can detect breast cancer.
The bra works by recording breast temperatures using infra-red sensors.
When any changes in breast temperature are detected, the bra will deliver a warning signal to the wearer using different coloured lights.
A green light means there are no issues, a yellow one indicates the wearer might need to do another test, and a red light indicates the need to visit a doctor for a thorough medical examination.
Researchers believe the bra could help detect breast cancer in women before it develops and spreads.
"When you have cells in your mammary glands that are anomalous, the body needs to send more blood to that specific part of the body and the temperature of this organ increases," explained Maria Camila Cortes, an electrical engineering student at Colombia’s National University, according to Fusion.
The bra is currently being tested at the university's lab.
All being well, researchers hope to mass produce it and sell it at an affordable price to women across the globe.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the UK. In fact almost one third (31%) of cancers diagnosed in women are breast cancer.
Breast cancer rates in England have increased by 90% since records began in 1971, according to Breast Cancer UK.
Maria Jaramillo, who is helping to develop the cancer-detecting bra, said: "We don’t want to replace a doctor’s job. The idea is to develop a technique that will help with [early] detection."
[H/T Hello Giggles]
