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Nanoknives To Be Used to Cut Cells

Posted by Zonk on from the take-that-you-cytoplasmic-scoundrel dept.

Roland Piquepaille writes "American researchers have built a carbon nanotube knife. According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), this nanoknife will be used to cut and study cells. With this new tool, scientists and biologists will be able to make 3D images of cells and tissues for electron tomography, which requires samples less than 300 nanometers thick. And as cells are usually stored in wax for dissection, the researchers plan to test their nanoknives on a block of wax later this year. But read more for additional references and a picture of this nanoknife."

11 of 78 comments (clear)

  1. That is so cool... by __aaclcg7560 · · Score: 3, Funny

    I just can't wait for the Rachel Ray version.

    1. Re:That is so cool... by wkk2 · · Score: 1, Funny

      Imagine how many nano-knives the TSA trash can will hold at the airport.

  2. That's not a nanoknife, *this* is a nanoknife... by Channard · · Score: 3, Funny

    Still, I guess I'd feel safer being thretened by one of these than a normal knife.. 'Give me all your money, or I'll cut the top layer of dead skins cells off your throat!'

  3. And if you call within the next 15 minutes by Henry+2.0 · · Score: 3, Funny

    The NanoFork will be yours, absolutely free!

  4. I've already seen that by macadamia_harold · · Score: 5, Funny

    According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), this nanoknife will be used to cut and study cells.

    I saw my first nano knife when I brought my nano on the subway in New York. The guy took my wallet, too.

    --
    Push Button, Receive Bacon
  5. But Wait: There's More! by M0b1u5 · · Score: 2, Funny

    That's all wel and good - but where is my Carbon-Monofilament garotting tool?

    It'll be great, I can see the adverts now:

    "See! New Nanoknife will cut straight through this small meteorite, and then through this tomato! But wait, there's more! If you call in the next 15 minutes we'll also include the amazing NanoJuicer, and a second Nanoknife for free. And as a bonus for the first 100 callers today, you'll also recieve this fabulous set of nano-forks..."

    --
    How many escape pods are there? "NONE,SIR!" You counted them? "TWICE, SIR!"
  6. Re:How hard is it to wrap a carbon nanotube? by EvanED · · Score: 3, Funny

    Trying to tie or wrap those nanotypes would be more than futile.

    So what you're saying is that friction's resistance would be useless?

  7. Re:If it's so thin by hmccabe · · Score: 2, Funny

    That would depend on where you got cut. If they took off some surface cells, probably not, but if a long one cut you in half I bet you'd notice.

  8. Hmmm.... by teebob21 · · Score: 2, Funny

    Is this something we should be keeping away from nano-emo kids?

    --
    khasim (12/9/06): In a blind taste test, more people preferred Coke over the Pepsi that I had previously pissed in.
  9. And in other news by EZLeeAmused · · Score: 2, Funny

    Nano shiv used to cut out of a cell.

    --
    Some see the vessel as half full; others see it as half-empty; We pour it out on the floor and laugh
  10. Wow, this is just so high-tech! by cciRRus · · Score: 3, Funny

    I'm amazed by this cutting-edge breakthrough!

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    w00t