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Sperm Could Power Nanobots

Lucas123 writes "According to MSNBC, scientists are experimenting with using a sperm's flagellum to overcome the problem of supplying energy to nanobots that could be implanted in the body as smart probes that would release disease-fighting drugs, monitor enzymes and perform other medical roles within a patient's body. Powered by a compound called adenosine triphosphate or ATP, a sperm's flagellum can propel it at about 7 inches an hour. Energy from ATP could also power the pumps charged with dispensing the medication at a certain rate from the nanobots."

2 of 259 comments (clear)

  1. Sperm life? by Turn-X+Alphonse · · Score: 2, Interesting

    How long would sperm be able to live though? I believe it's about 3 days in an ideal environment (vagina), how would it work in a hostile one like a nanobot?

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    1. Re:Sperm life? by fbjon · · Score: 3, Interesting

      Pregnancy is surprisingly difficult.

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