According to the American Academy of Dermatology, skin cancer causes about 60,000 deaths every year globally. The current estimates also show that about one in five Americans is at risk of having the deadly disease in their lifetime. Though the technology of curing skin cancer is very advanced, the early detection of the disease is still a very crucial aspect in the path to getting a full cure. And now, the researchers have come up with the smart tattoo technology, which can be a game-changer in this aspect. A recent research study led by Professor Jinyang Liang from the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS), an expert in ultrafast imaging and biophotonics, has shed light on promising smart tattoo technology that can aid in detecting skin cancer. The study was conducted in collaboration between the INRS in Québec and Université de Montréal. The process that Professor Liang and his team have researched is Single-shot Microneedle-Encoded Upconversion Lifetime Mapping (SMEAR-ULM), which is a great leap forward in skin cancer detection.SMEAR-ULM monitors microscopic temperature changes on the skin surface that signal the pernicious transformations with unprecedented sensitivity.Skin cancer is, without a doubt, one of the most deadly ailments known to man, and among its three types, melanoma is the most notorious one. Early detection in case of melanoma is very important for its cure. The current state of the treatment process depends heavily on visual examinations and invasive biopsies, which are known to cause discomfort for patients as well as occasional unnecessary interventions due to false positives, and SMEAR-ULM is a possible answer to these problems.Read Also: Melanoma Is Being Overdiagnosed. Here's Everything You Should KnowMelanoma: The Deadliest Kind Of Skin CancerMelanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops in melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour. It can occur anywhere on the skin but often develops on areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, arms, back, and legs. Melanoma can also appear in less-exposed areas, like the soles of the feet, palms, or under the nails, particularly in individuals with darker skin tones. Although rare, melanoma may develop in the eyes, mouth, or internal organs.Symptoms Of MelanomaThe primary sign of melanoma is a new or changing mole, freckle, or skin lesion. The "ABCDE rule" helps identify suspicious moles:Asymmetry: One half does not match the other.Border: Irregular or scalloped edges.Colour: Multiple shades or unusual colours like red, white, or blue.Diameter: Larger than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).Evolving: Changes in size, shape, or colour.Additional symptoms may include itching, bleeding, or a sore that doesn’t heal. Prompt medical attention is essential for suspicious skin changes.