Nanoparticles shorten roundworms’ lives

Even though nanoparticles are increasingly entering the environment, scientists still have a lot to learn about their biological effects. Now Chinese researchers have found that exposure to cerium dioxide nanoparticles shortens the lifespan of the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans.

Therapeutic nanoparticles targeted to radiation treated tumors

Radiation and chemotherapy are common partners in anticancer therapy for solid tumors, but too often, the combined side effects associated with each mode of therapy can limit how aggressively oncologists can treat their patients. Now, a team of investigators from Vanderbilt University and Washington University in St. Louis, has developed a nanoparticle that only targets irradiated tumors, offering the potential for reducing chemotherapy-associated toxicities and increasing the effectiveness of combination therapy.