New research findings from Weldon Professor Ji-Xin Cheng and collaborators suggest that an experimental ultrasensitive medical imaging technique that uses a pulsed laser and tiny metallic "nanocages" might enable both the early detection and treatment of disease.

The system works by shining near-infrared laser pulses through the skin to detect hollow nanocages and solid nanoparticles - made of an alloy of gold and silver - that are injected into the bloodstream. "Three-photon luminescence" technique offers new levels of definition and allows greater contrast and clarity to locate nanocages and differentiate tissues in ways previously not possible.