Experts believe Google's project to develop nanoparticles that can seek out cancer cells in the body is a worthwhile contribution to science but faces a number of important obstacles.

The technology could yield "another tool in our arsenal (but) in my opinion, it won't be a game-changer in terms of diagnostics," said Agnes Buzyn, president of France's National Cancer Institute.

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Google X Lab, the special projects department of Google, said Tuesday they intend to use nanoparticles measuring only a billionth of a meter to seek out and stick to cancerous pieces of DNA and cancerous cells.

The nanoparticles could also be designed to zero in on fatty deposits in blood vessels that could lead to a heart attack or a stroke.

The nanoparticles are to be ingested in pill form and introduced into the bloodstream through the gastrointestinal system.

Given magnetic properties in the manufacturing stage, the particles will be drawn to wearable devices, such as a smartwatches or fitness bracelets that will count them.

Experts noted that other laboratories around the world are already toiling to explore the potential of the nanoparticles.

"The idea isn't new," said Laurent Levy, founder and chairman of a French company, Nanobiotix, which is looking at the nanoparticles to be used in cancer radiotherapy.

"It's not science fiction. It is achievable," he told AFP.  He added the technology is likely to take off within the decade.

Google's nanoparticle project, on the other hand, isn't the only concept the Life Sciences team at Google X Lab has thought up.

Innovations from the team include eating utensils that cancel out the trembling of hands caused by illnesses such as Parkinson's. The Google scientists are also developing contact lenses that measure glucose levels in tears to let people with diabetes monitor their blood sugar without using a needle to take a blood sample

TagsGoogle nanoparticles, Nanoparticles, Nanobiotix, Cancer research, Cancer diagnosis, Cancer treatment, Cancer