From an article by Sarah Knapton:
Nanomachines which can drill into cancer cells, killing them in just 60 seconds, have been developed by scientists.
The tiny spinning molecules are driven by light, and spin so quickly that they can burrow their way through cell linings when activated.
In one test conducted at Durham University the nanomachines took between one and three minutes to break through the outer membrane of prostate cancer cell, killing it instantly.
The ‘motor’ is a rotor-like chain of atoms that can be prompted to move in one direction, causing the molecule to rotate at high speed.
Dr Robert Pal of Durham University said: “We are moving towards realising our ambition to be able to use light-activated nanomachines to target cancer cells such as those in breast tumours and skin melanomas, including those that are resistant to existing chemotherapy.
“Once developed, this approach could provide a potential step change in non-invasive cancer treatment and greatly improve survival rates and patient welfare globally.”
Image Credit: Tour Group/Rice University
Recent News
Recent Digital Health Trends, Insights and News – May 2026
Last month marked continued progress as digital health moves into its next phase — from AI expanding into drug discovery and core infrastructure to new federal pathways accelerating device [...]
Cancer Mystery Solved: Scientists Discover How Melanoma Becomes “Immortal”
Scientists have uncovered a previously overlooked mechanism that may help melanoma cells become effectively “immortal.” Cancer cells face a major problem before they can become deadly: They have to [...]
How Visual Neurons Organize Thousands of Synaptic Inputs
Summary: A new study uncovered the organizational rules that determine how neurons in the primary visual cortex process information. By imaging both the cell bodies (soma) and the individual [...]
Scientists Just Found a Surprising Way To Destroy “Forever Chemicals”
Scientists have uncovered a new mechanism that may help break down highly persistent PFAS pollutants. PFAS have earned the nickname “forever chemicals” for a reason. These industrial compounds are [...]
Scientists Discover Cheap Material That Kills Deadly Superbugs
A new sulfur-rich antimicrobial polymer shows strong effectiveness against fungal and bacterial pathogens and may offer an affordable solution to antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial resistance is creating growing challenges for [...]
What to Know About Cicada, or BA.3.2, the Latest SARS-CoV-2 Variant Under Monitoring
Like periodical cicadas, the insects for which it is nicknamed, SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariant BA.3.2 is only just beginning to emerge after lying low for an extended period since it [...]
Scientists Say This Simple Supplement May Actually Reverse Heart Disease
Scientists in Japan say a common supplement may actually help “unclog” certain diseased heart arteries from the inside out. A simple food supplement sold in Japan may have helped [...]
New breakthrough against radiation: Korean Scientists create revolutionary shield with nanotechnology
Korean Scientists develop new nanotechnology material capable of reducing radiation impacts in space missions, hospitals, and power plants. The search for more efficient protection technologies in extreme environments has [...]
Scientists Just Discovered the Hidden Trick That Keeps Your Cells Alive
A strange bead-like motion inside cells may be the secret to keeping their DNA—and health—in balance. Mitochondria are often described as the power plants of the cell because they [...]
Scientists Discover Stem Cells That Could Regrow Teeth and Bone
Scientists just uncovered the cellular “blueprint” that could one day let us regrow real teeth. Researchers at Science Tokyo have uncovered two distinct stem cell lineages that play a [...]
Scientists Uncover Fatal Weakness in “Zombie Cells” Linked to Cancer
A newly identified weakness in “zombie” cells may open the door to more precise cancer treatments by turning their own survival strategy against them. A new class of drugs [...]
Bowel and Ovarian Cancers Are Dramatically Rising in Young Adults, Scientists Aren’t Sure Why
Cancer incidence is increasing, especially among younger adults, and current risk factors don’t fully account for the trend. Scientists suggest other underlying causes may be contributing. Cancer patterns in [...]
Leave A Comment