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Sperm Could Power Nanobots

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the make-sure-you-pick-the-best-swimmers dept.

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."

3 of 259 comments (clear)

  1. Are you kidding? by jamrock · · Score: 0, Redundant

    But where on Earth can they possibly find enough sperm?
    Umm....Slashdot posters maybe? This forum gives new meaning to the phrase "the gray goo problem".
  2. Re:Powering Fembots (Movie with Tilda Swinton?) by Pharmboy · · Score: 0, Redundant

    [[insert 'refueling fembots that run on sperm' joke here]]

    Its just too easy...

    --
    Tequila: It's not just for breakfast anymore!
  3. Re:Sperm isn't the fuel. ATP is. by calcapt · · Score: 0, Redundant

    Doh, reading your post a third time makes more sense. I see that your saying sperm can't power nanobots, which is true. I should've looked at your title first. Still ATP is not JUST fuel for muscles.