Watching Cancer Cells Live Could Transform the Future of Drug Discovery, Say Experts
Biotech entrepreneur Parmita Mishra is developing a 'live-cell cinema' technology that allows researchers to observe living cancer cells in real time. This innovation aims to replace traditional, destructive cell analysis methods to improve drug discovery and precision medicine.
Why it matters
Advancements in real-time cellular observation could significantly accelerate the development of effective cancer treatments by providing deeper insights into how cells evolve and resist drugs.
Indian-origin biotech entrepreneur Parmita Mishra's breakthrough live-cell technology aims to replace decades-old "cell autopsies" with real-time biology, opening new possibilities for cancer research and precision medicine
New Delhi, 8th August, 2026 : Cancer remains one of India's fastest-growing public health challenges, with millions of families affected every year. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), India reported an estimated 1.4 million new cancer cases in 2022, while the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) projects that the country's cancer burden will continue to rise over the coming decade. Despite unprecedented advances in genomics, artificial intelligence and precision medicine, one fundamental limitation continues to slow drug discovery: scientists still rely heavily on studying cells after they have been chemically fixed or destroyed, providing only a static snapshot of an otherwise dynamic biological process.
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