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Terbium-Based Sensor for Liver Cancer Detection

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Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a glow-based paper sensor using the rare-earth metal Terbium to detect liver cancer by identifying a key enzyme.


What’s New?

  • The sensor uses the green fluorescence of Terbium to detect β-glucuronidase, an enzyme biomarker linked to liver cancer.

  • The paper sensor offers a simple, low-cost, and early diagnostic tool for cancer detection.


About Terbium

  • Element Type: Rare-earth metal in the lanthanide series

  • Symbol: Tb | Atomic Number: 65

  • Appearance: Soft, silvery

  • Sources:

    • Found in minerals like monazite, bastnaesite, and euxenite

  • Applications:

    • Solid-state devices

    • Fluorescent lightbulbs

    • Medical X-ray safety systems

    • Laser and sensing devices

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UPSC Relevance

  • GS Paper 3: Science and Tech (Nanotechnology, Rare Earth Elements, Medical Innovations)

  • GS Paper 2: Health (Non-communicable diseases, early detection)


UPSC Prelims Statement-Based MCQ

Q. With reference to Terbium, consider the following statements:

  1. It is a naturally occurring transition metal found primarily in oceans.

  2. It is used in detecting biomarkers related to cancer.

  3. Terbium is classified as a rare-earth metal in the lanthanide series.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3


Answer: B. 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

  • Statement 1 is incorrect: Terbium is not a transition metal nor found in oceans but in rare-earth minerals.

  • Statements 2 and 3 are correct: It is used in biomarker detection and belongs to the lanthanide group.


UPSC Mains Question (GS Paper 3)

Discuss the significance of rare-earth elements like Terbium in advancing medical technology and diagnostics. How can India reduce its import dependency on such critical minerals?


 
 
 

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