Vibration: new hope in the fight against cancer

Researchers from Irig and Inserm recently made a surprising and promising discovery: Cancerous cells die spontaneously (apoptosis) on contact with magnetic particles vibrating at between 2 Hz and 5 Hz under the influence of an external field. The phenomenon is being investigated further by a Spintec-LTM PhD candidate, who is measuring the forces at work on the cells in order to understand the underlying mechanisms.

LTM’s traction force microscopy technique is being used to detect cell withdrawal, shrinking, or stretching. Cell mobility, a parameter which is known to impact metastasis, is also being observed. This exploratory PhD research will provide biologists with the data they need to reconstruct the cascade of reactions resulting in apoptosis.

Contact: robert.morel@cea.fr

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