Infographic: Scents and Sense-Abilities

Scientists hack the locust brain to identify the unique odor signatures of oral cancers.

Written byIris Kulbatski, PhD
| 1 min read

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Scientists hack the locust brain to identify the unique odor signatures of oral cancers. Researchers placed electrodes in the odor processing regions of locust brains to intercept the electrical signals produced after they puffed cancer cell gas samples over their antennae. They recorded different electrical patterns for different types of oral cancer. The researchers said that “cyborg locust” brains make powerful biological computers.

Infographic showing how scientists hack the locust brain to identify the unique odor signatures of oral cancers
© laurie o’keefe

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Meet the Author

  • Iris Kulbatski, PhD

    Iris, a neuroscientist by training and word surgeon by trade, is an associate science editor with The Scientist's Creative Services Team. Her work has appeared in various online and print publications, including Discover Magazine, Medgadget, National Post, The Toronto Star and others. She holds a PhD in Medical Science and a Certificate in Creative Writing from the University of Toronto. Her left and right brain converse on a regular basis. Once in a while, they collaborate.

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