Applying condensed matter physics/ soft matter physics to medicine

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Condensed matter and soft matter physics are being applied in various innovative ways to enhance medical treatments, particularly in the realm of cancer therapy. Key applications include the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for diagnostics, manipulation of DNA through optical traps, and targeted drug delivery using star-shaped gold nanoparticles. Additionally, breath-testing for cancer utilizing gold nanoparticles has emerged as a promising diagnostic tool.In the context of magnetic hyperthermia, condensed matter physicists play a crucial role by studying the heat exchange mechanisms during the magnetization and remagnetization of ferromagnetic nanoparticles. These nanoparticles, when injected into cancer cells, generate localized heat that can effectively destroy tumors. The understanding of magnetic hysteresis and the properties of these materials is essential for optimizing their effectiveness in therapeutic applications. Overall, the intersection of physics and medicine is paving the way for advanced treatment methodologies.
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What are some ways that people are applying condensed matter physics/ soft matter physics to optimize some treatments in medicine, e.g. in magnetic hypothermia?
 
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Dear 1cmp1,
Some examples of people applying condensed matter physics/ soft matter physics to optimize some treatments in medicine are described as follows.

Condensed matter physics:
1. Magnetic resonance imaging in medicine is an important application of NMR.
2. Manipulation of DNA by the attachment of latex beads with the assistance of optical traps.
3. Delivery of drugs to the nuclei of cancer cells by star shaped gold nano-particles. Another example is breath-testing for cancer using gold.

Soft matter physics:
1. Optical imaging of the motions of individual polymer chains, optical guidance of neurons
2. Mechanical properties of cancer cytoskeleton, for example, the self-organization and rapid switching through dynamical instabilities of polymers. One example is how the cytoskeleton builds a polarized cell.

td21
 
Last edited:
Thanks so much.

Can you tell me anything about how condensed matter physicists contribute to research in magnetic hypothermia?
 
magnetic hyperthermia is developing, but i don't know magnetic hypothermia. The principle of magnetic hypothermia may rely on the heat exchange during the magnetization and remagnetization (magnetic hysteresis) of ferromagnetic nano-particles, which are injected into the cancer cells.
 
Sorry, predictive text changed the word, I meant magnetic hyperthermia. I understand the basic principles behind it, I am just wondering in what way condensed matter physicists contribute to research in this area?

Thanks again
 

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