Researchers have found they can use a laser to detect molecules from exhaled breath which could indicate diseases such as asthma or cancer. Government and Univ. of Colorado at Boulder scientists say the technique could assist doctors in disease-prevention.

Known as cavity-enhanced direct optical frequency comb spectroscopy, the technique checks the more than 1,000 molecules exhaled by humans for signs of disease.

While analyzing breath can indicate dental problems or alcohol consumption, scientists found high levels of methylamine, for instance, is a sign of possible liver or kidney disease, for instance.

The scientists used students to test the system, findings of which were published in the Optical Society of America's Optics Express.