We all know the "Nano" to be something that is small, take the iPod Nano for example. In hindsight we all know explosions to be big, take the Atom Bomb for example. Well now lets combined the two and what do we get? Nanoexplosions, which is exactly what the researchers in the University of Missouri-Columbia and the U.S. Army have come up with. Not only have they come up with nanoexplosions, they have also come up with a way to use nanoexplosions to treat cancer.
One would think, well if I put tiny bombs into my body wouldn't that be a bad thing? Yes, yes it would, however the medical application of the nanoexplosions does not involve injecting tiny bombs into your body (sigh of relief).
Instead Daily Galaxy explains “a handheld device uses a controlled reaction to generate a small but powerful shockwave which can be targeted into tumours, punching small holes throughout the affected tissue. This allows administered drugs to effectively disperse into the cancer rather than battling at the fringesâ€
ironically the U.S. Military's goal from this research is not to cure cancer, but it will be used along the same parallels, saving lives. Daily Galaxy explains “shockwaves from nanoexplosive devices could be used with seismic technology to reveal hidden anti personnel explosives, mines and other improvised explosive devices (IED).â€
Researchers hope to bring in a working prototype within the next 2 to 5 years.
Don't quote me on this, but I do believe this will be the first time research of explosives will be used in the contrary to actually save lives instead of ending them by both Doctors and soldiers alike.
New Cancer Treatment
Nanoexplosions
Trend Themes
1. Nanoexplosions in Cancer Treatment - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop handheld devices that use nanoexplosions to target and treat tumors, allowing for effective dispersion of drugs into affected tissue.
2. Seismic Technology for Explosive Detection - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Utilize shockwaves from nanoexplosive devices in combination with seismic technology to detect hidden anti-personnel explosives and improvised explosive devices, potentially saving lives in military operations.
3. Research Collaboration Between Medical and Military Fields - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Foster partnerships between medical and military researchers to explore alternative uses of explosive technologies for improving healthcare and enhancing military operations.
Industry Implications
1. Medical Devices and Technology - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop and market handheld devices that use controlled reactions and shockwaves to improve drug dispersion for cancer treatment.
2. Defense and Security - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Apply nanoexplosive technology and seismic detection systems to enhance explosive detection and improve safety in military operations.
3. Research and Development - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Encourage collaboration and funding between medical and military research, fostering cross-industry application of explosive technologies for medical treatment and defense purposes.