Chromatin laser imaging reveals abnormal nuclear changes for early cancer detection.

We developed and applied rapid scanning laser-emission microscopy (LEM) to detect abnormal changes in cell nuclei for early diagnosis of cancer and cancer precursors. Regulation of chromatins is essential for genetic development and normal cell functions, while abnormal nuclear changes may lead to many diseases, in particular, cancer. The capability to detect abnormal changes in "apparently normal" tissues at a stage earlier than tumor development is critical for cancer prevention.