Tiny exploding capsules could be used to deliver targeted chemotherapy directly to tumours, without affecting healthy cells.

The nanoscale capsules, development at the University of Melbourne in Australia, by Dr Frank Caruso and his team, would rupture inside the body when heated by a “near-infrared” laser pulse, delivering the content where it is needed.

The laser –which amount is way below that used to remove tattoos– could be shone through the skin, or be beamed inside the body through an endoscope. The [amount of] infrared energy needed to rupture the capsules is .”

Via Scotsman.