"Breakthrough 'Molecular Jackhammer' Yields Near-Perfect Cancer Treatment Success in Lab Tests"
Researchers at Rice University have developed a novel cancer treatment method using "molecular jackhammers," small dye molecules that, when stimulated by near-infrared light, vibrate intensely and rupture cancer cell membranes. This technique has proven effective in lab cultures and in mice, killing 99% of human melanoma cells and curing half of the treated mice. The method offers a highly selective and potentially less toxic alternative to traditional treatments, as it targets only the cells exposed to the specific light. While promising, this approach faces several hurdles before it can be used in patients, including FDA approval and the development of appropriate light-delivery instruments.