New Atlas

Medical Audio available

Magnetic nano-probe explores individual cells from the inside

Michael Irving March 13, 2019

In future, microscopic robots could help heal us. While some of these have been capable of manipulating individual cells, researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a new way to get nanobots inside cells, and precisely control them once they’re in there.

A new nano-scale magnetic system is being developed to examine cells from the inside

Science

Alpaca immune system delivers a potential new cancer treatment

Rich Haridy October 3, 2018

Mostly known for its lustrous fleece and predilection for vigorous spitting, the humble alpaca may soon be more famous for its novel immune system. A study has discovered that the animals produce a unique nanobody that could be recruited into a new treatment for cancer.

The alpaca's immune system was found to produce a unique type of antibody that could direct ...

Medical

Nanospheres may provide alternative to heart-attack surgery

Ben Coxworth August 9, 2018

When a clot blocks a blood vessel in the heart, a heart attack is the unfortunate result. Frequently, surgery is required in order to remove that clot. Thanks to an experimental new drug-delivery system, however, that approach may become increasingly unnecessary.

The drug-containing nanospheres could be injected into the bloodstream of heart attack patients

Science

Membrane-coated gold "robots" designed to detoxify blood

Ben Coxworth June 4, 2018

It's never a good thing when donated human blood – or even the blood in our bodies – is infected with bacteria. Scientists at the University of California San Diego, however, are developing a means of removing such blood-borne microbes using tiny ultrasound-powered robots.

A colored scanning electron microscope image of some of the nanorobots

Robotics

The walking, crawling, rolling, jumping, swimming "millirobot" that could carry drugs through your body

Michael Irving January 30, 2018

Most medical micro-robots are limited to one method of movement and might not handle complex terrain. Now, a team from the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems has developed a “millirobot” that can walk, crawl, jump, climb, roll, swim and carry loads like a microrobotic Mario.

Max Planck researchers have developed a millirobot that can walk, crawl, jump, climb, roll, swim and ...

Medical

Advanced anti-viral nanoparticles target and destroy a range of viruses

Rich Haridy December 18, 2017

The latest nanoparticle innovation, driven by advanced computer modeling technologies, targets a broad range of devastating viruses and not only binds to them, but destroys them as well.

A molecular dynamics model showing an antiviral nanoparticle binding to the outer envelope of the human ...

Medical

"Look over there!" Nanoparticles reduce inflammation by distracting the immune system

Rich Haridy November 9, 2017

It’s a classic movie trope, distract the guards while our hero sneaks past. A team of researchers at the University of Michigan has deployed the same tactic to reduce inflammation in the body, by using nanoparticles that distract immune cells from negatively inflaming an injury site.

The nanoparticles (green) distract the immune cells (red) from causing unwanted inflammation

Medical

First: Titanium micromotors zip around stomach, fight bacteria

Michael Franco August 16, 2017

In what they are calling a world first, nanoengineers have delivered tiny drug-bearing motors into the stomachs of mice where the devices moved around via bubble propulsion, which changed the pH of the stomach to allow the successful dispatch of bug-clobbering antibiotics.

The new invention makes the stomach a more hospitable environment in which bug-busting drugs can work

Medical

Nanoparticles activate cellular memory to fight future tumors

Michael Franco May 2, 2017

The super-small objects known as nanoparticles are playing a big role in combating cancer. Now, researchers have enlisted the petite powerhouses in a new way that helps them recruit the body's immune system into fighting tumors while also teaching it to be on the lookout for cancer's return.

The new method not only enlists the body's immune system to destroy tumors, it teaches it ...

Medical

New nanogel neutralizes deadly snake venom

Michael Irving March 7, 2017

Current snake antivenom might not be saving lives as efficiently as it could, given that they’re difficult and expensive to produce, distribute and administer. Now, researchers have developed a synthetic alternative with a long shelf-life that can neutralize venom from several species of snakes.

A new nanogel could make for a better snake antivenom, by sequestering the toxins within the ...