Conkers help spot cancer

A CHEMICAL derived from conkers can help doctors spot cancer more effectively, researchers say.

A gel containing esculin, found in horse chestnuts, is fluorescent and can simplify low-light cancer imaging, a study found.

Dr Jan Grimm, of Sloan Kettering Institute in New York, said it is an “improvement to current techniques”. Study leader Prof George John, of The City College of New York, said using natural materials is environmentally friendly.