It’s because of these differing cells’ patterns that researchers were then able to conduct a water test . If a sample of DNA seems to be lacking methyl, doctors will then place it into water that contains gold nanoparticles, and then observe the reaction. Cells that contain cancerous DNA will result in the water remaining its original color. Healthy cells, however, will react to the gold particles and turn the water blue.

While the water test is not able to specify the types of cancer or the extremity of the case, it is a simple and effective way to detect cancerous cells within the body. Further and more specific tests may need to be conducted, depending on the results of the water test.

It’s also worth noting the simplicity of the test and the scarcity of equipment required to run it. There won’t be a need for extensive lab equipment that can read into gene sequencing. Tumor biopsies won’t be necessary for conclusive cancer results. All that will be needed is a quick, non-invasive DNA sample and some gold nanoparticles in water. The results will be able to be seen by the naked eye within minutes.