Tiny Robots for Drugs

Taking medication isn't really too taxing of a task, right? You just pop one in your mouth and wash it down with some water, and you're done. Although, they don't always take effect right away so you would still have to deal with your headache or allergies for some more time before getting relief.

But, what if the drugs we take have the capability to get to the problem right away and alleviate our condition in one or two minutes tops? That would be awesome. Actually, some scientists are doing research to do that through microrobots.

One day we may be able to ingest tiny robots that deliver drugs directly to diseased tissue, thanks to research being carried out at EPFL and ETH Zurich.
The group of scientists – led by Selman Sakar at EPFL and Bradley Nelson at ETH Zurich – drew inspiration from bacteria to design smart, biocompatible microrobots that are highly flexible.
Because these devices are able to swim through fluids and modify their shape when needed, they can pass through narrow blood vessels and intricate systems without compromising on speed or maneuverability.

(Image credit: EPFL/ETH Zurich)


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Fantastic.
I wish there were more people like this.
Well not at deaths door part, but more people that put their money to the "arts" for children.
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I heard on the radio yesterday about a guy in New Orleans, whose name I unfortunately cannot remember, but who started a marching band organization called Roots of Music, focusing on getting at-risk kids off the streets and doing something positive. The band has 70 members, but a waiting list of 400. All of the instruments are donated. The guy was being interviewed on the radio, and he says he wishes he could have places for everyone, but the funding just isn't there. He said he has one 7-year-old who calls him every day, wanting to be in the band. He also said that before they get to play, they have to hit the books and keep their grades up. It was a really positive and moving story, which is why this story made me think of it.
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It's hardly cheating death.

And I'd almost guarantee that he WOULD be dead now if he'd stayed on the meds from the inevitable toxicity 15 different medications would cause.

Yet more proof Doctor's and Pharmaceutical companies are not the all knowing gods people seem to think they are.

A truly great story. What a wonderful man!
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