Terbium-Based Sensor for Liver Cancer Detection
- vidyarthee2021
- Jul 3
- 2 min read

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

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:
It is a naturally occurring transition metal found primarily in oceans.
It is used in detecting biomarkers related to cancer.
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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