Chinese scientists are researching a new medical technology which can facilitate earlier diagnoses of diseases such as tumors.

The technology, dubbed a molecular probe, can display the condition of molecules inside people's bodies on a computer, which can then be studied by doctors.

Patient can be treated during the early stages of the disease that may improve the recovery rate, said chief researcher Tian Jie on Wednesday.

The traditional imaging devices such as CT scans, MRIs, ultrasound and X-rays can only show the later stages of tumors, said Tian.

The new technology can illustrate real-time pathological change without the need for operations, according to Tian.

The research has recently been listed in the 973 Program, a key national basic research program, with government funding of 30 million yuan (about US$3.75 million).

(Xinhua News Agency October 19, 2006)