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Posted on Jan 17, 2004, 4 a.m.
By Bill Freeman
British scientists have called for more research into medical applications of nanotechnology after research showed that the tiny particles could lodge in the brain. Ken Donaldson, who is Professor of Respiratory Toxicology at Britain's University of Edinburgh, says that research has shown that nanoparticles deposited in the nose of rats can migrate to the brain and move from the lungs into the bloodstream.
British scientists have called for more research into medical applications of nanotechnology after research showed that the tiny particles could lodge in the brain. Ken Donaldson, who is Professor of Respiratory Toxicology at Britain's University of Edinburgh, says that research has shown that nanoparticles deposited in the nose of rats can migrate to the brain and move from the lungs into the bloodstream. At present it is unclear as to whether this would pose a threat to humans, however Donaldson urges caution. We breathe in nanoparticles on a daily basis in the form of traffic fumes and cooking particles, and the majority of people cope with this daily onslaught quite well. Donaldson is concerned that we may not cope with the new materials being developed through nanotechnology quite so well. Mike Horton, professor of Medicine at University College London and co-director of the London Center for Nanotechnology, said scientists are treating the issue "very seriously."
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Reported by www.reutershealth.com on the 9th January 2004
