With over 220 million olfactory cells, the canine nose is over four times stronger than the human nose. This is why dogs have been so helpful to us in search and rescue missions, drug detection, explosive detection and now, even cancer detection.
McBaine is a regal-looking dog with attentive eyes that is part of a research held in the University of Pennsylvania. Researchers say he, and others like him, are over 90 percent successful in identifying the scent of ovarian cancer, found in tissue samples. Discoveries like this sheds new light on a disease that has no effective test for early detection, and kills 14,000 Americans a year. Past studies have found that cancer-sniffing dogs can also detect prostate cancer by smelling urine samples, with 98 percent accuracy. |
There are even examples of this amazing ability in the real world like Max, the dog that smelled his owner's breast cancer. Despite these findings and stories, there is still some skepticism whether this method can be used on a large scale. As a result, most current research is focusing on how to copy the canine ability to smell the disease, either with a machine or a chemical test. When the dogs "smell cancer", what they really smell are the chemicals emitted by the tumor which are called volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. The hope of chemists, doctors and physicists is to create an "electronic nose" to mimic this ability. This method is preferred because using dogs in a clinical setting isn't very practical. In addition, they take a long time to train and their effectiveness can vary from breed to breed, and from dog to dog. |
Even if dogs will never be officially used as medical "cancer sniffers" their ability is still truly remarkable. It's another reminder that they are called "man's best friend" for a good reason. |
Does COVID-19 Affect Pets?
The first dog was tested positive in Hong Kong recently. What does it mean and what is the effect of the corona virus on pets?
How to Tell Your Children You Have Cancer
What's the right way to tell your children you have cancer, and are there situations where you shouldn't?
9 Myths About Mushrooms BUSTED For Good
Can we eat mushrooms raw or must we cook them first? Do they all have medicinal properties? And how can they help with cancer?
If You Have a Dog, Here's How Apple Cider Vinegar Can Help
Not many people are aware that you can use apple cider vinegar for their dog. Here's how!
Alcohol Linked To More Cancer Types Than Previously Known
A new study found a clear correlation between alcohol consumption and more types of cancer than previously known.
7 Natural and Effective Home Remedies for Your Dog
Try out these natural home remedies to treat a range of health issues for your beloved canine companion.
Dogs In Love Sends the Cuteness Scale off the Charts!
According to these photos, it isn't just humans that feel all loved up - dogs are prone to it too. View these 18 adorable pictures now.
I've Never Seen a Cockatiel Sing Like This. I'm Amazed!
I knew cockatiels can talk, but I never knew that some of their community are THIS talented!
Can You Get Through This Post Without Grinning?
It is impossible not to love this series of adorable photos!
These Beautiful and Adorable Animals Are Enjoying Sniffing..
Apparently animals love flowers as much as humans do, as is evidenced by these super-cute pictures. Here are 14 animals enjoying the sweet scent of flowers.
Have You Ever Seen a Baby Pangolin? They're the Cutest!
This compilation of videos is all about wild baby animals and their human (and canine!) caretakers...
These 20 Photos Prove that Dogs Make Great Pillows
When you combine kids and dogs taking a nap, you are gifted with a recipe of cuteness.
If You're Having a Bad Day These Dogs Will Make You Smile
Here are 14 heartwarming moments of dogs that will surely make you smile.
A Few Things Only Dog Owners Will Understand...
A few hilarious and adorable situations those who lived with dogs will easily recognize!
These Photos of Everlasting Love Will Touch Your Soul
I have never seen true love quite like this! Take a look at these 20 beautiful pictures depicting the real meaning of love.
Cute Kitten Becomes Obsessed With a Lizard - Aww!
This funny little feline named Atlas insists on having very unusual company. Her best friend is none other than a big green lizard named Junior...
Aww-Inducing Portraits of Cats Taken from Down Under
Professional photographer Andrius Burba took pictures of cats on glass surfaces to hilarious results
The Baby Animals of Australia Are Adorable!
Australia has many endemic species, but some are cuter than the rest! View images of some of the cutest baby animals in Australia.
This Dancing 3-Year-Old Will Definitely Make Your Day!
This dancing Chinese toddler will make your day. It doesn't get much cuter than this!
17 Sweet Moments That Show Why Every Child Needs a Dog
If you have a dog and small children at home, you’ve probably already their wonderful friendships. If not, the following 17 pictures will show just that.
Too Cute! This Old Cat Just Loves Playing With Kittens
Check out these cute little kittens who fell in love with an old and grumpy feral cat. As a bonus, you can watch them playing together via a live feed.
12 Puppies That Look Just Like Stuffed Bears
No, they’re not fluffy stuffed toys. These are the most adorable pups that look just like teddy bears!
15 Lovely, Cuddly Animals Destined to Rule the World
If cuteness was a competition, these 15 gorgeous infant beasts would take some beating. But which is the ultimate cutesy? I've got my eyes on Number 10.
Working from Home Means Having the CUTEST Colleagues
These pet owners posted their funniest pictures on twitter, capturing their cats and dogs ‘helping’ them work from home.
These Corgis Will Just About Melt Your Heart...
We found the most adorable collection of Corgi videos and thought you should see it.
These Innovations Will Make Every Pet’s Life Better
Calling all pet owners! Take a look at these awesome inventions that will make your furry buddy’s life much better.
These Photos Prove Running Brings Out the Best in Dogs!
A dog photographer has captured photos of dogs on the run, showing their unabashed joy and happiness in the most heartwarming way possible.
16 Superb Animal Photos to Brighten Your Day
Take a look at these adorable animal pictures because a day without animal shenanigans is a day wasted!
SO CUTE! 20 Animals That Love Wearing Hats
What could possibly be cuter than animals wearing hats? For a collection of 20 adorable animals in hats, click on this article.
Big Dogs Need Cuddles Too - 20 Enormous Dogs Being Cute
It’s just so cute to watch these enormous dogs run away from kittens, cuddle with their owners, and be scared of the vet as if they’re still puppies at heart
Capybaras Are the Friendliest Animals in the World!
Watch this adorable video of a capybara who made friends with a human.
That Priceless Look When a Cat Knows it's at the Vet...
If you want to know how cats feel when they are down to see the vet, these pictures show you it's just like when you have to see the doctor!
Only Mommy Bears Know How to Deal with These Cuddly Cubs
There is no relationship bigger than that between mother and child, and this is so beautifully illustrated by these wild bears. Prepare for cuteness!
These Cats Just Adore Napping With Their Owners
Cats just love napping with their owners, as you'll see in this next video.
Presenting the Cutest Hugging Compilation You'll Ever See!
If you’re looking for some warm fuzzy feelings, your heart will sore as you watch even ferocious animals cuddle with their human friends.
15 Pictures of Gorgeous Cats and Their Adorable Mini-Me's
Owners of these cats will have a hard time telling the kittens apart from the parents once they reach adulthood. In the meantime, enjoy these 15 cute pics!
These Lovely Words Moved Me & Made Me Proud to Own a Dog
Dogs are truly lovable creatures and these beautiful words prove it.
This Baby Lives With Huskies And Their Life is Adorable!
This little girl lives with huskies and it seems as if they are doing a wonderful job raising her!
When Cats Pose For Pictures, They Become Real Supermodels!
Some cats are so beautiful with thick glossy coats and long flowing tails. These are a few of such cats that look like real supermodels in photographs
I Can't Believe These Dogs Really Look Like This!
Stunning examples of dogs with the cutest, and most amazing, fur patterns you have ever seen.
Some Things Only a Cat Owner Will Understand...
The rules of living with a cat every cat owner knows, dreads and even loves!
These Pets Just Need 5 More Minutes of Beauty Sleep
Nothing will wake up these adorable pets on their lazy morning.
The Levels of Cuteness In This Video Are Off the Charts!
Can anything be more adorable than babies meeting cats?
Why Is This Adorable Kitten Wearing a Helmet?
Today we introduce you to the inspirational story of Otter, a special needs cat who lives and thrives against all odds.
Funny & Cute: When Dogs Realize They're Going to the Vet...
When dogs realize they are going to the vet, hilarity ensues.
Cats Are the Best Alarm Clock, No Doubt.
Who needs a phone when there is such a better way of waking up?
Too Cute! An Adopted Raccoon Thinks That She's a Dog
This baby raccoon was found with a broken leg in a back yard. Having been adopted by the family that found her, she now thinks that she's a dog. These adorably cute photos will have you saying 'ohhh' throughout.