# Handheld Cancer Detectors The Verisante Aura Detects Melanoma in Seconds By Meghan Young | Published 2011-02-02 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/verisante-aura References: [fastcompany](http://www.fastcompany.com/1722596/verisante-aura-scans-for-skin-cancer-in-seconds) & [technologyreview](http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/32236/?ref=rss) Right now, scanning for [skin cancer](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aipowered-cancer-screening) is a very labor intensive process for doctors, but with the Verisante [Aura](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/loreal-my-aura) device, that might all change. When held above a suspicious mold, it can detect melanoma in mere seconds. Developed by [British Columbia](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airbourne-reserve)-based startup Verisante Technology, the Verisante Aura device Raman spectroscopy to identify and determine whether a mole requires medical attention. Although it isn't a replacement for a biopsy, it speeds up the cancer detection process significantly. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.9/10 - Popularity: 23% | Activity: 56% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Handheld Cancer Detectors:** The Verisante Aura device is just one example of the increasing trend of handheld devices for medical purposes, which offer opportunities for create portable and affordable diagnostic tools. - **Raman Spectroscopy:** Raman spectroscopy can be used in a variety of industries to identify and analyze materials, providing opportunities for advancements in material science, chemistry, and pharmaceuticals. - **Speeding Up Diagnosis Process:** The use of technology to speed up the diagnosis process for cancer and other illnesses is a trend that is rapidly growing and offers opportunities for the future of healthcare innovation. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Medical Devices:** The Verisante Aura device is disrupting the medical industry by offering a faster and more affordable way to detect melanoma. - **Material Science:** Raman spectroscopy is disrupting the material science industry by offering a non-destructive, highly detailed way to analyze materials. - **Pharmaceuticals:** Raman spectroscopy is disrupting the pharmaceutical industry by offering a way to quickly identify and analyze the molecular structure of drugs. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Oral Cancer-Detection Tests](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cancerdetect.md) - [Wearable Skin Protection Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wearable-uv-detector.md) - [Melanoma-Identifying AI Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/incheon-national-university.md) - [Patented Melanoma-Detecting Stickers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-sticker.md) - [Mobile Healthcare Exam Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/handheld-medical-device.md) - [Smell-Based Disease Detectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diagnoze.md) - [UV Damage-Detecting Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uv-damagedetecting-camera.md) - [Pocket-Sized Dermatoscopes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dermlite-dl200-hybrid.md) - [At-Home Self-Screening Wands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/teal-wand.md)