A Handheld Nanopore Test to Detect Cancer Early: Powered by UCSC Undergrads

All of us know someone affected by cancer. A grandparent. A parent. A sibling. A friend. We’ve felt the fear, the uncertainty, and the heartbreak that can follow a late diagnosis. You might have asked the same question we have: What if we had caught it sooner?

Early detection is one of the most powerful tools we have to fight cancer. It can mean the difference between a chance at life and a terminal diagnosis.

At UC Santa Cruz, we are a group of undergraduate researchers in the Daniel Kim Lab developing a portable, low-cost cancer early detection test that uses cutting-edge, handheld nanopore sequencing technology. By analyzing cancer-specific RNA in the blood, our approach has the potential to revolutionize and democratize non-invasive cancer screening for everyone. This undergrad-led project aims to make cancer early detection more equitable and accessible, and your support will directly fund the development of this groundbreaking technology.

But this is more than just science. It’s personal. Many of us have seen the impact of cancer in our own lives. We’ve cared for loved ones through diagnosis and treatment. We’ve felt the helplessness of watching someone suffer as they battle against this horrible disease.

Join us in the fight against cancer. Please consider making a gift today to advance the future of cancer detection. Every donation makes a difference.

Support the next generation of researchers. Support early detection. Support life.