Scientists Develop New 'Virtual Biopsy' Device for Skin Cancer

A doctor examines a mammograph of a breast cancer patient ( Rex
Features )
A doctor examines a mammograph of a breast cancer patient ( Rex Features )
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Scientists Develop New 'Virtual Biopsy' Device for Skin Cancer

A doctor examines a mammograph of a breast cancer patient ( Rex
Features )
A doctor examines a mammograph of a breast cancer patient ( Rex Features )

US researchers have developed a new "virtual biopsy" device that can quickly determine a skin lesion's depth and potential malignancy. According to a report in Wiley Online Library, the ability to analyze a skin tumor non-invasively could make biopsies much less risky and distressing to patients.

Physicians who perform surgical biopsies often don't know the extent of a lesion, and whether it will be necessary to refer the patient to a specialist for extensive tissue removal.

The German News Agency reported that the first-of-its-kind experimental procedure, developed by a team of researchers at the Rutgers University, creates a 3-D map of the legion's width and depth under the skin with a tiny laser diode. It also uses sound waves to test the lesion's density and stiffness since cancer cells are stiffer than healthy cells.

The device is also equipped with a speaker that applies audible sound waves to measure the skin's vibrations and determine whether the lesion is malignant.

The Science Daily cited Frederick Silver, a professor at the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, saying: "This procedure can be completed in 15 minutes with no discomfort to the patient, who feels no sensation from the light or the nearly inaudible sound."

Silver also sees "the new device is a significant improvement over surgical biopsies, which are invasive, expensive and time consuming."

The researchers said further studies are needed to fine-tune the device's ability to identify a lesion's borders and areas of greatest density and stiffness, which would allow physicians to remove tumors with minimally invasive surgery.



French Bikers Race to Buy Harleys before Possible Tariffs

 The logo of American motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson is seen at an Harley-Davidson dealership in Paris, France, April 8, 2025. (Reuters)
The logo of American motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson is seen at an Harley-Davidson dealership in Paris, France, April 8, 2025. (Reuters)
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French Bikers Race to Buy Harleys before Possible Tariffs

 The logo of American motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson is seen at an Harley-Davidson dealership in Paris, France, April 8, 2025. (Reuters)
The logo of American motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson is seen at an Harley-Davidson dealership in Paris, France, April 8, 2025. (Reuters)

Sales are brisk at the Villiers-Sur-Marne Harley-Davidson dealership outside Paris, where French bikers reckon they had better hurry if they want the American motorcycle of their dreams before trade war puts them out of reach.

"It's now or never," said 55-year-old carpenter Stephane Roger as he inspected the gleaming machines. He had been thinking about buying a Harley anyway, he said. But when he heard the news of US President Donald Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs, he figured he had better hurry.

Motorcycles were on a list of American goods due to be hit by EU tariffs announced this week in response to Trump. After Trump rowed back on some of his tariffs, the EU suspended its levies but said they could still kick in if negotiations fail.

"Yeah, I think it's time to buy a Harley," said Theo Mottet, a 30-year-old French soldier. If tariffs put the price up, it will no longer be possible for regular people to own one, he said. "It's going to be an elitist pleasure."

Jean-Luc Peschel, a 65-year-old retired musician in a leather blazer and a red necktie, said Harleys conjured up images of Americana that had been swirling around in his head since childhood.

"I'm an old man," he said. "Harley-Davidson rocked my childhood. American films make you dream, and so I think there are people who need to dream today."