New Light Sensor Detects Early Cancer Signs in Blood

Researchers develop highly sensitive device that can spot biomarkers at extremely low concentrations.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Researchers have created a light-based sensor that can detect very low levels of cancer biomarkers in blood samples, potentially enabling earlier diagnosis of cancer and other diseases. The sensor combines DNA nanostructures, quantum dots, and CRISPR gene editing technology to produce a clear signal even when only a few biomarker molecules are present.

Why it matters

Early detection of cancer and other diseases is crucial for improving treatment outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. This new sensor technology could make it possible to screen for cancer and other conditions through simple blood tests, before symptoms appear or tumors are visible on scans.

The details

The sensor uses a process called second harmonic generation (SHG), where incoming light is converted to light at half the wavelength. The SHG signal is detected at the surface of molybdenum disulfide, a two-dimensional semiconductor material. DNA tetrahedrons are used to precisely position quantum dots near the surface, enhancing the SHG signal. CRISPR-Cas gene editing is then applied to detect specific biomarkers - when the target is recognized, the DNA holding the quantum dots is cut, causing a measurable drop in the SHG signal.

  • The research was published in February 2026 in the journal Optica.

The players

Han Zhang

A research team leader from Shenzhen University in China who developed the new light-based sensor technology.

Optica

The journal published by Optica Publishing Group that published the research on the new sensor.

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What they’re saying

“Our sensor combines nanostructures made of DNA with quantum dots and CRISPR gene editing technology to detect faint biomarker signals using a light-based approach known as second harmonic generation (SHG).”

— Han Zhang, Research team leader (Optica)

“For early diagnosis, this method holds promise for enabling simple blood screenings for lung cancer before a tumor might be visible on a CT scan.”

— Han Zhang, Research team leader (Optica)

What’s next

The researchers plan to focus on miniaturizing the optical setup to turn the sensor into a portable device that could be used at the bedside, in clinics or even in low-resource remote locations.

The takeaway

This new light-based sensor technology represents an important advancement in early disease detection, with the potential to enable simple, cost-effective blood tests that can spot the earliest signs of cancer and other conditions before symptoms appear.