What is the mechanism by which the battery is able to starve the cancer cells of oxygen in mice?
A New Battery Starves Cancer Cells of Oxygen in Mice
The Study
A recent study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has found that a new type of battery can be used to starve cancer cells of oxygen, reducing tumor growth in mice.
The battery, which is made up of a cathode made from manganese dioxide and an anode made from lithium, was implanted into mice with tumors. The battery works by generating oxygen as it breaks down the manganese dioxide. This oxygen then diffuses into the surrounding tissue, reducing the levels of oxygen available to cancer cells.
Results
The study found that mice who had the battery implanted had smaller tumors and lived longer than mice who did not receive the battery. The battery was also found to be safe and well-tolerated by the mice.
Implications
The implications of this study are significant. Cancer cells rely on oxygen to survive, so by reducing the amount of oxygen available to them, their growth can be slowed or even stopped. This is particularly important for tumors that are difficult to treat with traditional therapies, such as pancreatic cancer.
The battery could also be used in combination with other therapies, such as chemotherapy or radiation, to further enhance their effectiveness.
Conclusion
While more research is needed to determine if this battery can be used in humans, the results of this study are promising. The ability to starve cancer cells of oxygen could be a game-changer in the fight against cancer, and this battery could be one step towards achieving that goal.