Medical Imaging Improvement with Nanoparticles

Researchers from National Institute of Standards and Technology have discovered a method of using nano-particles to illuminate the cellular interior to reveal its slow processes. The quantum dot nano-particle glows when exposed to light. When coated with organic materials, scientists can manipulate the particle to attract to specific proteins to be examined. The research team focused primarily on characterizing quantum dot properties to target protein inside blood cells to study. However, there are concerns about toxicity and other properties of the nano-particles.

Reference:
Kang et al. Probing dynamic fluorescence properties of single and clustered quantum dots toward quantitative biomedical imaging of cells. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews Nanomedicine and Nanobiotechnology, 2009 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.62

Learning for Individuals in Vegetative States

Scientists, for the first time, tested that patients in vegetative and minimally conscious states can learn. After training, patients would start to blink when the tone played but before the air puff to the eye. The classical conditioning in the vegetative and minimally conscious state will be published in the Advanced Online Publication of Nature Neuroscience.

Reference: Science Daily