October 23, 2023
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0Scientists Will Beat Cancer With Quantum Spray
Scientists from the University of Nottingham have developed a unique method of treating glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer with an extremely unfavorable prognosis. According to doctors, they have used the world’s first quantum therapy to destroy cancer cells.
Read more about the scientists’ discovery in this article.
Did you know that a neurotechnology law was approved in Chile? Learn more about it here.
Research details
A team of researchers from the University of Nottingham, led by the Faculty of Pharmacy, has found a new way to use the unique properties of bio-nanoantennas — gold nanoparticles coated with special molecules. These particles are capable of causing programmed cell death, or apoptosis, in cancer cells when electrical stimulation is applied.
The study focuses on glioblastoma, a dangerous form of brain cancer that has been very difficult to treat. With glioblastoma, the five-year survival rate is only 6.8%, and the average life expectancy of patients is estimated at only 8 months from the moment of diagnosis.
Bio-nanoantennas were able to specifically affect glioblastoma cells, leaving healthy cells unharmed. This level of accuracy opens up new possibilities for the development of glioblastoma treatment during surgical resection of the tumor. Bio-nanoantennas can be sprayed or injected.
How does the treatment work?
Researchers are harnessing the potential of quantum signaling to fight cancer. Cancer cells are subject to a complex interaction of electrons, which is controlled by the mysterious world of quantum biology. With the advent of bio-nanoparticles, scientists are getting closer to the implementation of quantum therapy in medical practice. These smart particles can create special electrical signals that stimulate the natural mechanism of self-destruction of cancer cells.
the bio-nanoantennas used in the treatment are gold nanoparticles coated with redox molecules. Researchers claim that they kill glioblastoma cells by spraying bio-nanoantennas on tumor sites and applying an electric field.
“We refer to them as bio-nanoantennas because they convert an electric field into a biological signaling event, which then regulates cell functions, such as apoptosis (programmed cell death),” Frankie Rawson, one of the authors of the study, a researcher at the University of Nottingham, commented on the discovery.
According to him, this transfer of one electron changes the redox state of the protein, signaling cancer cells to activate programmed cell death. Cancer cells begin to die off on their own, preventing the tumor from regrowing and potentially prolonging life. In addition, only cancer cells die during this process, and no other brain cells are damaged.
“This may represent the world’s first quantum therapy, ushering in a new era of treatment paradigms,” Rawson added.
Perspective
Scientists emphasize that only cancer cells die, while healthy ones remain insensitive to the bio-nanoantennas. Doctors expect that the world’s first quantum cancer therapy will open a new era in the treatment of serious diseases. In the coming years, scientists intend to start clinical trials of the spray.
The team has secured funding and applied for a patent to begin introducing the technology into clinical use. Therefore, further thorough studies are now needed to ensure the safety and effectiveness of bio-nanoantennas in the treatment of people.
Previously, we’ve talked about a chip that Elon Musk plans to implant in the human brain to help patients with paralysis. Learn more here.
