Researchers from Ohio State University believe they may be the first in the world to study the “molecular underpinnings” of cancer through study of the individual bonds between asbestos fibers and human cells, according to a news release from NewsWise. The scientists will present their findings at a meeting of the American Geophysical Union in San Francisco this afternoon.

The report, titled “The Strength of Disease: Molecular Bonds between Asbestos and Human Cells,” is authored by Eric Taylor, a doctoral candidate in earth sciences at Ohio State, and Steven Lower, associate professor of earth sciences at the university. According to the news release, “the researchers used atomic force microscopy to observe how a singe asbestos fiber binds with a specific receptor protein on cell surfaces.” They believe this attachment of a lethal type of asbestos sets in motion a series of events within a cell that will eventually lead to illness years, even decades, later.

Asbestos exposure is almost exclusively identified as the cause of mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen and other organs. There is currently no known cure for mesothelioma. Asbestos also causes chronic respiratory diseases including asbestosis, a scarring of the lungs; and lung cancer.

The Ohio State study focused on crocidolite (blue) asbestos, which has been identified as one of the most deadly forms of asbestos. The substance is banned in most industrialized nations, but for years was used in products such as insualtion.

Taylor, who is presenting the study’s findings at the meeting today, said the purpose of the study is to find ways to prevent illness even after exposure to asbestos. Because of the long latency period of mesothelioma, with symptoms often not appearing for up to 50 years after exposure, diagnosis often comes too late for effective treatment.

The Ohio State University research is supported by the National Science Foundation.