Imagine a world where a microscopic computer chip — one-third the size of a grain of salt — could go into your cells and assess whether you have a tiny cancerous growth or not. Then imagine, if you do have cancer, that chip will lead a drug directly to the source to eradicate these unhealthy cells before they even have a chance to spread. The field of nanotechnology holds much promise for the future, although there is some disagreement about the end result of nanomedicine. The Human Enhancement Ethics Group writes: “These technologies promise great benefits for humanity – such as increased productivity and creativity, longer lives, more serenity, stronger bodies and minds, and more – though there is a question whether these things translate into happier lives, which many see as the point of it all.”
In Europe, Dutch food scientist Frans Kampers is making a presentation titled: What Nanotechnology Can Do for the Average Donut. He explains that a nanoparticle can re-engineer ingredients to bring healthy nutrients to the body more efficiently, while ensuring that less-desirable components pass on. European scientists are creating structures within foods that will deliver specific nutrients to specific locations in the body for the most beneficial effects. “We are basically creating nano-structures in food that are designed to fall apart in your body because of digestion so in the end there will not be nanoparticles,” Kampers explains. Yet, he admits, there are some people who are fearful of the nanotechnology applications. For instance, if persistent metal or metal oxide particles are used in food packaging, there is some worry that they may be able to migrate through the bloodstream, into the cells and into the nucleuses. “These are the more controversial applications of nanotechnology,” Kampers adds. “More research is necessary to understand the kinetics and dynamics of these particles before large-scale applications in food are developed. At the moment, these types of nanoparticles are rarely used in food products.”
Scientists at the Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences say they are using nanotechnology applications to carry pain-relieving drugs to injured soldiers in combat. While morphine is most effective at eradicating pain, it sometimes depresses breathing functions and decreases blood pressure to life-threatening levels. “When respiratory distress is too severe, that will trigger release of naloxone, the antagonist (morphine-suppressing) drug. When the oxygen blood levels go up, that will stop the action of the antagonist drug and more morphine will be available,” explains Baohua Huang, Ph.D., a research investigator at the Institute. The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency hopes that an auto-injector device can be created soon, allowing soldiers the ability to administer the drugs themselves. “This system could improve pain management for millions of patients with chronic illnesses,” says James R. Baker, Jr., M.D., director of the Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences.
One of the most exciting frontiers of nanotechnology uses is occurring in modern cancer research. Scientists in Bucharest, Romania have found a way to carry radioactive isotopes on tiny particles of albumin protein (found in the blood) to cancerous tumors. Researchers say if they can get a nanoparticle to directly hone in on the site of cancerous growths, they can attach antibodies and medication that will not cause some of the unwanted side effects commonly associated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Currently, they’re working on the next phase of clinical trials, which tests the targeting capabilities of the nanospheres, as well as the efficacy of newly developed drugs.
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