By injecting multi-walled carbon nanotubes into tumors and heating them with a quick, 30-second zap of a laser, scientists have discovered a way to effectively kill kidney tumors in nearly 80 percent of mice.

When non-invasively exposed to laser-generated near-infrared radiation, the nanotubes respond by vibrating, creating heat, which causes tumor cells near the nanotubes to begin to shrink and die.