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

The molecular probe technology can display the condition of molecules inside people's bodies on a computer, facilitating study.

Patients can be treated in the diseases' early stages, improving recovery rates, said chief researcher Tian Jie on Wednesday.

Traditional imaging devices such as CT scans, MRIs, ultrasound and X-rays can only show the later stages of tumors, said Tian, adding that the new technology can illustrate real-time pathological changes without the need for operations.

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

(Xinhua News Agency October 19, 2006)