MSI PIs are among the authors of a paper that announces a new technique for warming cryofrozen tissues. Although it is possible to freeze tissues and organs without harm, thawing them usually causes damage. The method described in the paper uses iron oxide nanoparticles that surround the frozen tissue and warm when activated by an external magnetic field. This method may eventually help keep organs viable for transplant for a much longer time than is currently possible.
The MSI PIs among the authors include: Professor Alex Fok (Restorative Sciences); Professor Christy Haynes (Chemistry); and Professor John Bischof (Mechanical Engineering). Professor Fok uses MSI to study the biomechanical behavior of dental restorations. Professor Haynes studies blood vessel functions using a microfluidic platform. Professor Bischof uses MSI to support research on the use of iron oxide and gold nanoparticles to enchance thermal therapies.
The study, which is the cover article in the March 1, 2017 issue of Science Translational Medicine, has received a great deal of media attention. The article itself can be found on the journal website: Improved tissue cryopreservation using inductive heating of magnetic nanoparticles.
Other media outlets who have covered the story include:
- New York Times
- Washington Post
- Reuters
- The Telegraph
- The Guardian
- International Business Times
- CNN
- Discover Magazine