A group of local scientists has developed a technique to find tumors using microorganisms.

The group, led by Professor Min Jung-joon of Chonnam National University said that by using a strain of salmonella with a low level of toxicity the team was able to develop a technique that detects cancer cells. Min said the team also developed a way to carry therapeutic molecules to tumors.

The scientists used the newly developed technique while conducting a clinical test on a mouse with colon cancer. They later found that their use of a strain of salmonella helped treat the cancer and suppress cancer cells from spreading to other organs.

The latest finding was printed in the online edition of Cancer Research magazine.