A VIBRATING disc the size of a dust speck could help diagnose and monitor common types of cancer and detect chemical weapons.

The European Commission has awarded 12m euros to an international consortium to develop biosensor technology.

Based on gyroscope technology, the discs have been manufactured at up to a tenth of a millimetre in diameter.

The discs are covered in proteins that cause "cancer-specific markers" - proteins produced by cancer cells - to bind to them. They are made to vibrate electronically, and when a marker binds to a disc, the uneven weight causes the vibration to change.

By measuring the change, scientists can detect even tiny amounts of markers. In theory, a single molecule binding to a disc could be detected.

Because the markers vary depending on the type of disease, scientists could tell the type of cancer.

The consortium, led by Newcastle University, has received the grant to develop the technology to clinical trials stage.

It hopes to produce a hand-held device that would enable samples to be tested quickly and accurately.

Professor Calum McNeil, who is leading the project, said: "We are confident that this new technology has the potential to improve the prospects of successful treatment for these cancers.

"Early diagnosis and effective monitoring of cancers are known to be key factors influencing outcome."