Birmingham Healthcare Institute scientists are developing technology that allows stem cells to be remotely controlled. The aim is to provide injectable cell therapies for treating debilitating conditions such as Osteoarthritis and Osteoporosis at the early stages of the disease avoiding major operations to the joints in the future.

In an interview with The Naked Scientist, Professor Alicia El Haj, explained how the University of Birmingham is using magnetic nanoparticles to revolutionise cell based treatment in the future.

Professor El Haj, Interdisciplinary Chair of Cell Engineering said: “We are using magnetic fields to deliver stem cells around the body and then switch these cells using nanotags into mature cells  capable of rebuilding tissues such as bone and cartilage. “

“We’ve recently received major funding to explore this further over the next five years with a view to bringing this to patients in the near future.”

Listen to the full interview, which also appeared on the BBC and Radio National in Australia, by following the link below:

https://www.thenakedscientists.com/articles/interviews/remote-controlled-cells