#NANOTECH Nanosprings Could Enable Handheld Medical Scanners

Dr. McCoy's medical scanner on the Star Trek franchise seems almost quaint when you recall it--until you realize we still have no handheld medical scanners today! The next big thing that could finally realize the dream are nanospring biomolecule carriers. Look for handheld medical diagnostic devices to finally arrive within the next three years. RColinJohnson @NextGenLog

Silicon dioxide nanosprings resemble old-style curled-up phone cords, but can carry biomolecules that enable handheld mobile battery-powered medical diagnostic devices that give instant results on a variety of medical conditions.

Here is what Smarter Technology says about nanosprings: Nanosprings aim to enable handheld medical devices that give instant diagnostics, yet are cheap enough to be deployed everywhere—from the rural outback to your doctor's waiting room. Oregon State University researchers recently demonstrated nanosprings holding biomolecules that could be used in bio-sensors for the production of pharmaceuticals and for the micro reactions used in mobile handheld medical "labs on-a-chip."
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