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Thursday, 2nd July 2009 (5388 views)

Scientists in South Korea have developed gold nanoprobes with the ability to detect the reactive oxygen species (Ros) that are produced by the human body.

According to Nanowerk, a researcher at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology has used the precious metal to manufacture a sensitive nanoprobe that can highlight the presence of certain oxygen species.

Ros may occur due to factors such as smoking, lack of sleep or exposure to drugs and is often associated with ageing and cancer.

It is hoped the breakthrough will enable it to be used as an early indicator of the presence of various diseases.

"The fluorescent gold nanoprobes that we have developed highlight the future possibilities of gold nanoparticles-based imaging probes that can exceed conventional chemical imaging probes," researcher Hyukjin Lee told the news source.

He added that the gold nanoprobes are very stable when exposed to factors such as natural light and lasers.

In related news, research from the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science recently proved that gold grains can help improve the wellbeing of animals suffering from joint pain.

 

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