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Using nanoworms, doctors should eventually be able to target and reveal the location of developing tumors that are too small to detect by conventional methods. Carrying payloads targeted to specific features on tumors, these microscopic vehicles could also one day provide the means to more effectively deliver toxic anti-cancer drugs to these tumors in high concentrations without negatively impacting other parts of the body.
“Most nanoparticles are recognized by the body’s protective mechanisms, which capture and remove them from the bloodstream within a few minutes,” said Michael Sailor, a professor of chemistry and biochemistry at UC San Diego who headed the research team. “The reason these worms work so well is due to a combination of their shape and to a polymer coating on their surfaces that allows the nanoworms to evade these natural elimination processes. As a result, our nanoworms can circulate in the body of a mouse for many hours.”
“When attached to drugs, these nanoworms could offer physicians the ability to increase the efficacy of drugs by allowing them to deliver them directly to the tumors,” said Sangeeta Bhatia. “They could decrease the side effects of toxic anti-cancer drugs by limiting their exposure of normal tissues and provide a better diagnosis of tumors and abnormal lymph nodes.”
Useful progress in nanoscience and medicine. And maybe a new summertime movie thriller?
I wonder how much of Michael Sailor’s work was reviewed and reported by those in place through the university’s president decision to unilaterally allow undercover federal agents to gather intelligence, from student organizations AND others involved with UCSD’s day to day operations and not specifically drug related activities?
Were trade secrets stolen? How can I be sure that a peer did/will not note/record remarks made, even in confidence and report them to her real boss, the federal government?
Where the hell are my f’n rights going?
With any luck and the election of Barack Obama as POTUS, you may see a restoration of your rights in the coming years.
Nothing quite like putting particles with polymer coatings into your bloodstream for your health. This another of many stories they dream up to dupe people into funding this crap and buying more drugs. “and—like tiny anti-cancer missiles—home in on tumors…” Scuze me, where are these “cancer missiles” that they are comparing this to. That’s another red snake oil flag, there are no such things as cancer missiles. I laugh when I read this stuff.
So, #3, who told you that crap? Your priest, your favorite talk radio buffoon – or did you think it up on your own waiting in line for a new copper bracelet?