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Magnetic nanoparticles in biological vehicles individually characterized for the first time

A multidisciplinary research group uses magnetotactic bacteria to create nanomagnetic structures, which can be steered through the human body via external magnetic fields. They have developed a new method to measure the magnetic properties of individual nanomagnets in biological entities, enabling precise control over these structures.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2022

Tiny bots that can deep clean teeth

Researchers at IISc and Theranautilus have developed nano-sized robots that can manipulate using a magnetic field to kill bacteria in dentinal tubules, improving the success rate of root canal treatments. The nanobots were able to penetrate further than previous methods, providing a safer alternative to harsh chemicals or antibiotics.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateMay 16, 2022

Study finds nanomedicine targeting lymph nodes key to triple negative breast cancer treatment

Researchers found that targeting both tumor and lymph node microenvironments with nanomedicine improves treatment response for metastatic triple negative breast cancer. Long-term tumor remission was achieved in mice models using nanoparticles to deliver immune-modulating drugs.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

Minerals can be key to healing damaged tissue

A collaboration between researchers identified crucial minerals regulating gene expression to control tissue renewal and growth. Minerals such as silicon, magnesium, and lithium induce endochondral ossification by turning on key genes, leading to the transformation of stem cells into bone cells.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 6, 2022

Using sound to control enzymatic reactions

A team of scientists successfully controlled multistep enzyme reactions using audible sound, creating a new method for spatiotemporal regulation. The researchers used standing waves generated by sound to separate and compartmentalize solutions, allowing for the precise control of chemical reactions.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022

YVO₄: Nd³⁺-based nanotheranostic agent for imaging and therapy of orthotopic gliomas

Researchers developed a core-shell structured nanotheranostic agent (YVO₄:Nd³⁺-HMME@MnO₂-LF) for orthotopic glioma imaging and therapy. The YVO₄ core exhibits NIR-II fluorescence properties, while the MnO₂ shell releases Mn²⁺ ions for T₁-weight MRI and provides O₂ in tumor microenvironments to enhance sonodynamic therapy.

Green technology breakthrough: Hematite photocatalyst using sunlight energy simultaneously produces hydrogen and hydrogen peroxide

A breakthrough in green technology has successfully produced both hydrogen gas and hydrogen peroxide simultaneously from sunlight and water using a hematite photocatalyst. This innovation could lead to a solar water-splitting utilization system with greater added value, enabling the widespread adoption of carbon-neutral energy sources.

SourceKobe University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2022

Researchers shed light on why a certain plant virus is so powerful at fighting cancer

A team of researchers has discovered that cowpea mosaic virus, when injected into a tumor, triggers a powerful immune response, preventing cancer recurrence. The unique protein shell and RNA structure of the virus activate toll-like receptors, leading to increased cytokine production and a prolonged anti-cancer response.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMolecular Pharmaceutics·DateApr 27, 2022

NIST study shows everyday plastic products release trillions of microscopic particles into water

Researchers analyzed food-grade nylon bags and single-use beverage cups, finding that they release trillions of nanoparticles per liter when exposed to hot water. The average size of these nanoparticles was between 30-80 nanometers, with concentrations seven times higher from nylon bags than from beverage cups.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateApr 20, 2022

Decoy particles trick coronavirus as it evolves

Researchers have developed a new potential COVID-19 treatment using decoy nanoparticles that mimic cells. These nanoparticles effectively inhibit viruses and bind them, rendering them inactive. The treatment has shown promise against drug-resistant variants, outperforming traditional treatments in some cases.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2022

Microcavities as a sensor platform

Researchers at University of Innsbruck and ETH Zurich propose a new concept for a high-precision quantum sensor using microcavities and levitated nanoparticles. By exploiting fast unstable dynamics, they demonstrate mechanical squeezing reducing motional fluctuations below zero-point motion.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 7, 2022

Turmeric compound helps grow engineered blood vessels and tissues

Researchers at UC Riverside have discovered that curcumin promotes vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion, helping to grow engineered blood vessels and tissues. The study uses magnetic hydrogels coated with curcumin-coated nanoparticles, which gradually release the compound without injuring cells.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022

The nanodrug that attacks the cancer twice A single nanoparticle does two jobs: enhancing the effectiveness of chemotherapy and reinvigorating the immune system

Researchers at Tel Aviv University developed a drug delivery system based on lipid nanoparticles that utilize RNA to boost personalized cancer care. The nanodrug enhances chemotherapy effectiveness and reinvigorates the immune system, increasing sensitivity to cancer cells.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 4, 2022

An improved ink for colon tattoos

Researchers have created a new type of colon tattoo ink that is more biocompatible and less prone to diffusion than existing inks. The ink uses metal-derived nanoparticles and polymers to adhere to the submucosal surface in the colon, allowing for better identification and removal of complex polyps and tumors.

Quantum dots shine bright to help scientists see inflammatory cells in fat

Researchers at the University of Illinois created quantum dots to visualize macrophages in fat tissue, shedding light on chronic inflammation's role in diseases. The new technology enables accurate cell counting and tracking over time, offering a potential diagnostic tool for insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.

Thomas Senftle wins NSF CAREER Award

Engineer Thomas Senftle at Rice University has won a prestigious NSF CAREER Award to improve catalysts through machine learning. He will develop open-source models to speed up the development of catalysts with optimized particle/support combinations, aiming to reduce unwanted molecules in water.

Lower, more frequent doses of nanomedicines may enhance cancer treatment

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that using nanomedicines at lower, more frequent doses can normalize the tumor microenvironment and improve cancer treatments. The study showed that this approach can help correct abnormalities that protect tumors and improve blood vessel function and immune activation within a tumor.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2022

Seeing below the surface of bimetallic nanoparticles

Researchers from Osaka University report a new technique for tracking the synthesis of core–shell bimetallic nanoparticles in real time, allowing for fine-tuning of nanomaterial preparation. The technique uses a piezoelectric resonator to monitor particle shape changes and track interdiffusion of metals.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPhysical Review B·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2022

Nanocarrier spray: Better crops without genetic modification

Researchers at RIKEN CSRS have developed a non-transgenic method to modify plant genes using a bioactive molecule spray, which can be used to improve crop yield and resistance to pests. The technique has shown promising results in improving economically desirable quality traits in crops.

SourceRIKEN·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 23, 2022

CPRIT supports work on combo cancer therapy

Rice University's Gang Bao receives $1 million CPRIT grant to develop a three-pronged strategy combining magnetic nanoparticles, free radical generation, and immune checkpoint blockade to kill cancer cells. The approach aims to increase the efficacy of cancer therapy, potentially leading to a clinical trial.

Novel nanoparticles target gene therapy directly into the lungs

Scientists at Tufts University create nanoparticles that carry genetic instructions to specifically target the lungs, reducing tumors in a preclinical model of a rare genetic lung disease. The breakthrough could lead to improved treatment options for patients with lymphangioleiomyomatosis.

SourceTufts University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2022

Researchers restore function in a gene that can suppress liver cancer and enhance immunotherapy

A team of researchers has reprogrammed the tumor microenvironment of liver cancer by using mRNA nanoparticles, restoring the function of the p53 master regulator gene. The approach increased antitumor immune responses in hepatocellular carcinoma laboratory models and shows promise for treating HCC and other cancers.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022

Even the smallest pollution particles change the rainfall regime in the Amazon

Researchers found nanoparticles from human activities rapidly grow in atmosphere and influence cloud formation, affecting raindrop formation and changing rainfall regime. The study provides new insights into the impact of small aerosols on precipitation and improves climate change studies based on mathematical models.