Innovation: Magnetic blood detox

January 27, 2009 | Source: New Scientist Tech

Researchers at Gyeongsang National University in South Korea have developed a way to quickly and safely remove lead from the bloodstream to prevent symptoms like memory loss, anemia, and paralysis.

They identified a receptor that binds strongly to lead in the body and added a nickel-containing magnetic nanoparticle to the other end, allowing particles to be pulled out with a magnet.