A Life Sciences team from the special projects Google X Lab is experimenting with nanoparticles that hunt for signs of medical conditions in the bloodstream of a person. The nanoparticles then relay to findings to a sensor worn by the individual.

"This is still early-stage research, but we've done a number of promising experiments, so we're going to keep going," Google said in a description of the project made public Tuesday.

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Possible applications of the technology could include a method to monitor cancer cells after chemotherapy treatments or right after surgery, and a test for the enzymes produced by arterial plaques that could rupture and cause a stroke or a heart attack.

The early detection of a disease is known to significantly increase the likelihood of successfully treating several types of life-threatening illnesses.

Groups of specially manufactured nanoparticles could be put into pills and swallowed. It will then be absorbed in the digestive system and the bloodstream, where it will do its magic and hone in and attach itself to targeted cells such as cancer.

The magnetic qualities imbued into the microscopic particles will let them be drawn to devices that could be worn on the person that ingested the nanoparticles. The particles will be counted using non-invasive detection techniques such as radio or light waves, according to Google.

If the Life Sciences team is successful, the tech could "help physicians detect a disease that's starting to develop in the body."

Google also said it will offer licenses to other companies interested in using the technology for diagnostic methods approved in medicine.

Innovations from the Google Life Sciences team include eating utensils that cancel out the trembling of hands caused by illnesses such as Parkinson's and contact lenses that measure glucose levels in tears to let people with diabetes monitor their blood sugar without whipping out a needle for a blood sample.

TagsLife Sciences, Google Life Sciences, Google X Lab, Nanoparticles, Cancer, Chemotherapy, Surgery, Arterial plaques, stroke, heart attack, enzymes, Parkinson's, Eating utensils for Parkinsons, smart contact lens, Diabetes