It captures the signals of transporters called 'exosomes,' which are a little like secret messengers within our bodies.

Found within cells, they end up in various fluids and have a wealth of proteins on their surfaces which can be used as hallmarks of cancer, viral infections, or injury.

Minimizing delays to treatment improves survival rates in cancer patients. Every month can raise risk of death by around 10%. These contact lenses offer a potential platform for cancer pre-screening and or supportive diagnostics tool that is easy, rapid, sensitive, cost-effective and non-invasive.

"The lens can detect exosomes in various solutions from various cell lines—and human tears," said Project leader Professor Ali Khademhosseini. "It can differentiate expression of surface proteins as cancer biomarkers."