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posted by janrinok on Monday November 14 2016, @12:38AM   Printer-friendly
from the diamond-horned-onions? dept.

"Nanodiamond, nanohorn, nano-onion...," lists off the Aalto University Professor, recounting the many nano-shapes of carbon. Laurila is using these shapes to build new materials: tiny sensors, only a few hundred nanometres across, that can achieve great things due to their special characteristics.

For one, the sensors can be used to enhance the treatment of neurological conditions. That is why Laurila, University of Helsinki Professor Tomi Taira and experts from HUS (the Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa) are looking for ways to use the sensors for taking electrochemical measurements of biomolecules. Biomolecules are e.g. neurotransmitters such as glutamate, dopamine and opioids, which are used by nerve cells to communicate with each other.

"Most of the drugs meant for treating neurological diseases change the communication between nerve cells that is based on neurotransmitters. If we had real time and individual information on the operation of the neurotransmitter system, it would make it much easier to for example plan precise treatments," explains Taira.

Due to their small size, carbon sensors can be taken directly next to a nerve cell, where the sensors will report what kind of neurotransmitter the cell is emitting and what kind of reaction it is inducing in other cells.

"In practice, we are measuring the electrons that are moving in oxidation and reduction reactions," Laurila explains the operating principle of the sensors.


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  • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Monday November 14 2016, @06:13AM

    by Anonymous Coward on Monday November 14 2016, @06:13AM (#426448)

    Just me, or an inordinant number of FAs getting no comments at all? Makes me sad, and I fear for the future of SoylentNews. Glutamate, as in MSG? Maybe time to pay attention to more than just the gluten.