With infectious diseases, there is always another miracle around the corner. The problem is that the miracle typically stays around the corner. Come on down...The next contestants in the search for a miracle cure are..."tiny magnets."Researchers in Switzerland are developing nanomagnets that could remove harmful compounds (e.g. bacteria) from the blood. The technology involves magnetized nanoparticles coated with carbon and pathogen-directed antibodies. The plan is that the antibodies attach to the pathogens and then the whole compound is removed from the blood with hemodialysis. Sounds pretty exciting. Probably exciting enough to hold off on further investments in infection prevention research, not!
Source: Technology Review (MIT): 11/28/2011
