Scottish researchers have set out to create a revolutionary new probe to investigate and monitor the lungs of seriously ill patients.
The probe will use fibre optics but also microelectronics and the latest chemistry to help diagnosis and treatment, according to the Edinburgh University researchers.
They say it should be able to help adult and infant patients.
They believe it could monitor up to 20 key indicators of disease, helping to replace regular blood testing.
It should also be able to detect bacteria and viruses using tracer compounds, they say.
The scientists have been awarded some £11 million for the project which will also involve Bath University and Heriot-Watt University.
Researcher Professor Mark Bradley said: "Our Fibre-based Optical Sensing and Imaging Platform will give doctors the ability to rapidly diagnosis patients and inform them about the best drugs for patients.
"It will monitor a patient’s condition in real time – without the need for cumbersome equipment or ionising radiation."
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