Killing Cancer... With Magnets

[Gahars]

Cancer is obviously a very serious issue, and one that's on a lot of peoples' minds. So, yeah, you can bet that scientists have been devoting tons of time and energy into researching new methods of stopping it in its tracks (some of which I've posted about before, in fact). There's been attempts with vaccines, stem cell, and all that jazz.

Apparently, though, that wasn't satisfying to a group of South Korean scientists (you could even say there were repelled from it). They laughed off the efforts of their peers and presented their own solution: Magnets.

And this is where things get interesting, because it looks like they've had some success in destroying cancer cells. With, need I remind you, magnets.

A magnetic method of killing cancer cells has been developed by scientists in South Korea. The technique uses a magnetic field to flip a "self-destruct" switch in tumours.

Researchers have demonstrated that the process works in bowel cancer cells and living laboratory fish. Programmed cell death, or apoptosis, is one of the body's ways of getting rid of old, faulty or infected cells.

In response to certain signals, the doomed cell shrinks and breaks into fragments. These are then engulfed and consumed by amoeba-like immune cells.

Belfast Telegraph

This is by no means an out-and-out cure, but it does offer another avenue for cancer research, and quite handily demonstrates that these cells aren't so invincible. Plus, you know, magnets destroying cancer. Gotta say I'm attracted to that. (And in its own way, it kind of makes X-Men all the more tragic. This research would suggest that if Magneto would just leave the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants behind, he could legitimately make a fortune in the fields of construction, scientific research, and medicine!)

It's at times like these, you get to thinking... Magnets, how do they work?

 

[Guild McCommunist]

This shit will blow your motherfucking mind.

But out of all the cancer cures, this is by far the most awesome.

 

[The Catboy]

More interesting and good news coming from the world of science!
This only brings us one step closer to a brighter and better tomorrow!

 

[Deleted_171835]

Enough with the lies, Gahars!


What is the real cure?

 

[chyyran]

Seems safer to me than all those other ones. Good news!

---

 

[Ethevion]

Looks like a new opening for researchers. I can't wait to see what they achieve.

 

[Gahars]

Enough with the lies, Gahars!


What is the real cure?

Looking at the research...

A vaccine filled with magnetic particles, topped off with stem cells, and followed by a daily dose of aspirin.

 

[Hyro-Sama]

Why are people who use magnets always villains?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdrlzvnkgLg

 

[ouch123]

I've actually participated in research that aimed to use electromagnetic fields for limb regeneration, and I'm glad to see that others are beginning to take this research more seriously. I'm looking forward to seeing where this goes.

 

[Farah Day]

It's nice to see magnets being used for something other than quackery and holding children's drawings onto iceboxes for a change.

 

[Jamstruth]

Interesting development. I know that super strong magnets can mess with your cells (strong magnetic fields can damage your vision for instance) but I wasn't expecting an application like this. I wonder how it targets specifically cancer cells...

 

[Janthran]

Magnets are the answer to most things. I swallowed a pill I made with magnet shavings and cured the common cold.
Okay just kidding, don't try that

 

[Guild McCommunist]

It's nice to see magnets being used for something other than quackery and holding children's drawings onto iceboxes for a change.

This is the greatest return to GBAtemp ever.

 

[Joe88]

It's nice to see magnets being used for something other than quackery and holding children's drawings onto iceboxes for a change.

I'm not sure you're giving magnets enough credit, they are used in tons and tons of things you use every day.

 

[Psionic Roshambo]

Magneto must be stopped!!!!

 

[Farah Day]

It's nice to see magnets being used for something other than quackery and holding children's drawings onto iceboxes for a change.

I'm not sure you're giving magnets enough credit, they are used in tons and tons of things you use every day

Would that be long tons or short tons, or were you speaking colloquially?

 

[Valwin]

It is hard to believe this

 

[DiscostewSM]

Magnets you say? Their uses increase, and yet.....

Spoiler

 

[Gahars]

We asked the team of South Korean scientists for their thoughts on the findings. They replied only with this Youtube video.

M.Y. Colon

 

[Psionic Roshambo]

Some day there will be a cure for cancer but I doubt it will involve magnets beyond the MRI machine used to diagnose the original illness.

I suspect a total cancer cure (a cure that works for all types of cancer.) is going to be like fusion power, something that will always be just a few years away.

I hope that I am completely wrong of course, and would be happy if I woke up in the morning and it was plastered all over the news. Then I could indulge in my one weakness with out worry...

A nice cigar and a vodka and cranberry juice.... And not one of those cheap cigars, I mean a nice $40+ cigar.... Damn now I want...