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Nano "Wiretap" Spies On Cells 2010 Aug 13
Nano "Wiretap" Spies On Cells 2010 Aug 13
BY B R I A N H A N DW E R K , F O R N AT I O N A L G E O G R A P H I C N E W S
A new nanotech "wiretap" can enter living cells and monitor their activities
in real time, scientists say.
:
Scientists used silicon nanowires to create hairpin-shaped conducting
transistors that are smaller than a typical virus. The transistors are able to
float freely inside the cells and "listen in" on crucial biological functions.
When put to the test inside cultured chicken heart cells, the transistors
recorded changes in the cells' heartbeat-driving electrical output.
That's because the wires were coated with cell membrane, so that target
cells were enticed to fuse the wires with their own membranes and "suck"
the wires inside naturally, Lieber said.
The nanowire method also eliminates the need for needle-like insertions,
which can harm cells.
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"So this could be useful as a kind of tool for drug discovery or maybe just
for understanding how neural circuits are working in a deeper manner
than before."
Future developments of the nanowire could further blur the line between
biology and technology, Lieber added.
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"If you're thinking about neural implants, you might bridge hybrid tissue
to this device and connect it to a prosthetic," he said. (See "Nanotech
Clothing Produces Power From Motion.")
:
"You're going to be light-years beyond what's being done today."
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