Nanotechnology

News • Ionic liquid-carbon nanohorn complexes

Magnet-guided, laser-heated nanoparticles for precision cancer treatment

Japanese researchers have developed magnetic nanoparticles that can be directed to tumors using a magnet and then heated with a laser to destroy cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.

News • Tissue microstructure analysis

New cancer imaging technique inspired by butterfly wings

The shimmering blue wings of a Morpho butterfly are not just beautiful to look at - they can also help make cancer diagnosis faster, more accurate and more accessible, new research finds.

News • Photothermal disinfection

Frying bacteria on implants with tiny gold radiators

New technology shows promise in protecting an implant against infections from resistant bacteria: By heating up small nanorods of gold with near-infrared light (NIR), the bacteria are killed.

News • Transport of minuscule gold particles

Nanoparticles could detect kidney disease better than blood tests

Before administering certain drugs, doctors check a patient’s kidney function by testing their blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels. New research shows that gold nanoparticles might give more…

News • Thermal-responsive magnetic nanorobot collectives

Stopping brain bleeds from aneurysms with tiny robots

Brain aneurysms cause around 500,000 deaths globally each year and can lead to stroke and disability. Now, researchers created nanoscale robots to manage bleeds in the brain caused by aneurysms. 

News • High-resolution cell scans

AI spots cancer and viral infections at nanoscale precision

Researchers have developed an artificial intelligence which can differentiate cancer cells from normal cells, as well as detect the very early stages of viral infection inside cells.

News • Nanorobots travelling through synovial fluid

Fighting arthritis with “OrthoBots”

Enzyme-driven nanorobots could be used in the treatment of joint diseases such as arthritis. A new research project explores the potential of this technology.

News • New insights on shape and toxicity

Small, but mighty – how gold nanoparticles (actually) kill cancer

Smaller kills faster – this is what was previously thought about gold nanoparticles used to fight cancer cells. However, new research reveals a more complex picture of these interactions.

News • Hydrogel catalyst

Breaking down alcohol in the body: Researchers develop "detox gel"

Researchers have developed a gel that breaks down alcohol in the GI tract without harming the body. In the future, people who take the gel could reduce the harmful and intoxicating effects of alcohol.

News • Vaccines for future pathogens

“We don’t have to wait for new coronaviruses to emerge”

A new approach to vaccine development could produce vaccines before the disease-causing pathogen – such as a new variant of the coronavirus Sars-CoV-2 – even emerges.

News • Promising secretory granules

New micromaterial to fight cancer with nanoparticle-targeting

A newly-developed material made of proteins shows promise for targeted cancer therapies: Like secretory granules in the endocrine system, it delivers nanoparticles which attack specific cancer cells.

Article • New system combines nanotechnology and ultrasound

Reducing over-treatment of rectal cancer

An innovative solution based on nanotechnology and ultrasound could prevent over-treatment of patients with rectal cancer. The magnetomotive ultrasound system uses nanotechnology for reliable diagnosis of any spread of rectal cancer to nearby lymph nodes.

News • Novel approach to disinfection

Nano-spikes kill off viruses on surfaces

Instead of killing viruses and bacteria with chemical disinfection, a new approach uses minuscule spikes to skewer them. This could be used to prevent surface contamination in hospitals or labs.

News • Smart wound sealing

Soldering wounds with light and nano thermometers

A new soldering technique developed by Empa researchers is expected to prevent wound healing disorders and life-threatening complications from leaking sutures.

News • Urea-powered machines

Nanorobots to reduce bladder tumours by 90%

New research demonstrates how tiny nanomachines could greatly reduce bladder cancer by precisely targeting the tumour and attacking it with a radioisotope carried on their surface.

News • Contraception, wound healing, arthritis treatment

Three promising medical applications of nanoparticles

Contraception, wound healing, arthritis treatment: Here are three recent papers published in ACS journals that could expand the beneficial uses for nanoparticles, based on results in rats.

News • Point-of-care diagnostic platform

Inhalable sensors for early lung cancer detection

Using a new technology developed at MIT, diagnosing lung cancer could become as easy as inhaling nanoparticle sensors and then taking a urine test that reveals whether a tumor is present.

News • Promising approach

Researchers use nanodrones for targeted cancer treatment

A research team has successfully developed “NK cell-engaging nanodrones” capable of selectively targeting and eliminating cancer cells, offering a potential solution for intractable cancer types.

News • Novel treatment strategy

Antibacterial nanoparticles to shorten tuberculosis therapy duration

A low-cost technology involving nano-sized antimicrobial compounds against tuberculosis has been developed by researchers at São Paulo State University (UNESP).

News • Hybrid peptide-DNA nanostructures

Could artificial life forms be the medicine of the future?

What role should artificial life play in medicine? Researchers from Denmark and the US explore the potential of hybrid peptide-DNA nanostructures for diagnosing and treating diseases.

News • Detecting tumors and metastases

Nanoparticles deliver double strike against cancer

A new nanocomplex renders a tumor harmless – and, on top of that, it trains the immune system to detect and eliminate metastases.

News • Diagnosis done quick

New sensor tells apart Covid-19 and flu infections - in 10 seconds

US scientists report using a single-atom-thick nanomaterial to simultaneously detect Covid-19 and flu viruses — at much lower levels and much more quickly than conventional tests for either.

News • Protein-based nanostructures show promise

Nanoparticles to neutralise SARS-CoV-2

Researchers at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) have developed a new type of nanoparticles inspired by the structure of amyloids, capable of neutralising the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Video • Early detection of dementias

Promising sensor to screen for Alzheimer's

Canadian researchers are developing a new, ultra-sensitive biosensor to screen for Alzheimer’s disease and other diseases. The device has successfully completed the proof-of-concept stage.

News • "COMPASS" method

Using nanoparticles for more sensitive rapid tests

A newly developed rapid test needs only a few seconds to reliably detect pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2. It is based on specially designed magnetic nanoparticles.

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