Clusters of heated, magnetic nanoparticles targeted to cell membranes can remotely control ion channels, neurons and even animal behavior, according to a paper published by University at Buffalo physicists in Nature Nanotechnology. The research could have broad application, potentially resulting in innovative cancer treatments that remotely manipulate selected proteins or cells in specific tissues, or improved diabetes therapies that remotely stimulate pancreatic cells to release insulin.
The work also could be applied to the development of new therapies for some neurological disorders, which result from insufficient neuro-stimulation.
"By developing a method that allows us to use magnetic fields to stimulate cells both in vitro and in vivo, this research will help us unravel the signaling networks that control animal behavior," says Arnd Pralle, PhD, assistant professor of physics in the UB College of Arts and Sciences and senior/corresponding author on the paper.
http://esciencenews.com/articles/2010/07/06/with.magnetic.nanoparticles.scientists.remotely.control.neurons.and.animal.behavior
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Remote stimulation of cells has potential
BUFFALO, N.Y., July 7 (UPI) -- Heated magnetic nanoparticles aimed at cell membranes can control ion channels, neurons and even an animal's behavior, U.S. physicists found.
The research has applications beyond making worms reverse course -- as University of Buffalo physicists found -- potentially leading to innovative cancer treatments, improved diabetes therapies or even development of new therapies for some neurological disorders, the university said Tuesday in a news release.
"By developing a method that allows us to use magnetic fields to stimulate cells both in vitro and in vivo, this research will help us unravel the signaling networks that control animal behavior," said Arnd Pralle, assistant professor of physics in the university's College of Arts and Sciences and senior corresponding author of the paper published in the latest issue of Nature Nanotechnology.
Researchers said their method could open calcium ion channels, activate neurons in cell culture and manipulate movements of a tiny nematode, Pralle said.
http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2010/07/07/Remote-stimulation-of-cells-has-potential/UPI-58911278532931/
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