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Nanoparticle Exposure Could Disrupt Immune Cell Function

Posted by Soulskill on from the finding-new-and-creative-ways-to-harm-ourselves dept.

MTorrice writes "A new study suggests there's more to nanoparticle toxicology than cell life and death. Although immune cells treated with iron oxide particles appeared healthy in standard toxicology tests, they struggled to perform one of their key jobs: engulfing pathogenic bacteria. The researchers wonder if exposure to significant levels of the nanoparticles could lead to dysfunction in people's immune systems."

3 of 31 comments (clear)

  1. Turn that around by Spy+Handler · · Score: 4, Interesting

    researchers should wonder if exposure to nanoparticles will disrupt cancer cell function or antibiotic-resistant superbug function and devise a strategy to shoot them with the appropriate nanoparticles.

  2. Re: Finally, somebody understands. by Gilmoure · · Score: 2

    Exactly! As things stand now, that's as good as it'll ever be. Human beings are not exactly known for making advances in areas where everyone knows advances can't be made.

    --
    I drank what? -- Socrates
  3. Re:Finally, somebody understands. by bdwebb · · Score: 2

    Hmm...you lost me when you said we won't be able to successfully manipulate the body's immune system...what about vaccines? That is pretty effective manipulation, sans-bridge.