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Innovative light therapy reaches deep tumors

Researchers have developed a new light therapy that can reach deep tumors using nanoparticles and FDG, producing different kinds of free radicals that overwhelm tumor cells. This treatment shows promise in reducing cancer growth and increasing survival rates with minimal toxic side effects.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 9, 2015

One nanoparticle, 6 types of medical imaging

University at Buffalo researchers have designed a nanoparticle that can be detected by six medical imaging techniques, including CT scanning, PET scanning, and photoacoustic imaging. This technology has the potential to provide doctors with clearer pictures of patients' organs and tissues, enabling faster diagnosis and treatment.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 20, 2015

Tumor micro-environment is a rough neighborhood for nanoparticle cancer drugs

Researchers suggest that the tumor microenvironment could play a significant role in cancer treatment and delivery of nanoparticle-based drugs. They found varying levels of drug delivery between two triple-negative breast cancer tumors, highlighting the importance of personalized medicine and better profiling of tumors.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJan 13, 2015

Scientists trace nanoparticles from plants to caterpillars

A Rice University study examines how nanoparticles move through the food chain, tracing uptake and accumulation in plant roots, leaves, and caterpillars. The research found significant variation in nanoparticle accumulation rates based on surface coating types, with negatively charged particles avoiding clumping altogether.

SourceRice University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 16, 2014

Colorful nano-guides to the liver

Researchers create dye-functionalized nanoparticles that selectively deliver siRNA to liver cells, reducing cholesterol production and offering new hope for personalized therapy approaches. The method uses near-infrared fluorescent dyes as address labels and tracking numbers, allowing for non-invasive monitoring of the transport process.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 3, 2014

A gut reaction

Queen's University scientists found that nanosilver can upset the human gut community at low concentrations. The discovery highlights the potential risks of nanoparticles in everyday life and underscores the need for further research on their long-term effects on health.

SourceQueen's University·JournalJournal of Nanomedicine & Nanotechnology·DateNov 19, 2014

Two sensors in one

New nanoparticles can perform magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fluorescent imaging simultaneously, allowing for the tracking of specific molecules produced in the body. The particles were demonstrated to detect vitamin C in mice, showing strong fluorescent signals where vitamin C is present but little MRI contrast.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 18, 2014

Nanosafety research: The quest for the gold standard

Poorly executed nanosafety experiments have led to a lack of new knowledge, with most projects being irreproducible due to inadequate particle characterization. The 'NanoScreen' programme aims to address this issue by providing pre-validated methods for lab experiments using standardized test materials.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 29, 2014

Sopping up proteins with thermosponges

The study demonstrates that thermosponge nanoparticles can effectively deliver a variety of proteins while preserving their biological activity. The new platform is designed to eliminate the need for harsh solvents and shows promise for delivering protein-based drugs for human therapeutics.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNano Letters·DateOct 22, 2014

Could I squeeze by you?

Scientists developed a deeper understanding of ideal mesoporous nanoparticle design to maximize catalytic output. They modeled molecular movement within narrow channels and found that the optimal channel diameter balances pore size with reactant and product passage.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 21, 2014

Tuning light to kill deep cancer tumors

A novel strategy combining nanoparticle technology with FDA-approved photodynamic therapy has been developed to effectively kill deep-set cancer cells in vivo. The treatment uses low-power, deep-tissue-penetrating light to activate the cancer-killing drug, showing improved destruction of tumors with minimal damage to surrounding tissue.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 15, 2014

Nanoparticles get a magnetic handle

Researchers at MIT have achieved a long-sought goal of creating particles that can emit a colorful fluorescent glow and be precisely manipulated into position within living cells using magnetic fields. The new technology could enable tracking the position of nanoparticles as they move within the body or inside a cell, and manipulate th...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 9, 2014

Nanoparticles give up forensic secrets

A Swiss research team has revealed that nanoparticles are attracted to fingermarks through chemical bonding, rather than electrostatically. This discovery could lead to more accurate and sensitive techniques for detecting previously undetectable fingermarks, improving forensic science.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNanotechnology·DateOct 1, 2014

Nanocubes get in a twist

Weizmann Institute scientists have created twisted, rope-like structures from cube-shaped nanoparticles, demonstrating the power of self-assembly in nanomaterials. The findings reveal how competing forces like magnetism and van der Waals forces can align particles into complex shapes.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalScience·DateAug 11, 2014