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Astronomers have developed a way to cure cancer
Last reviewed: 30.06.2025
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While studying stars and even holes, astronomers have discovered that heavy metals emit low-energy electrons when irradiated with X-rays of a certain power. According to scientists, this discovery could actually be used to treat cancer more safely and effectively.
For example, implants made of gold or platinum could help destroy tumors using low-energy electrons while exposing healthy tissue to less radiation.
According to the study's author, Sultana Nahar of Ohio State University, the experiment showed that by exposing a gold or platinum atom to a small dose of X-rays in a narrow range of frequencies, it is possible to obtain a stream of more than 20 low-energy electrons. The electrons introduced into the body can kill cancer by breaking down DNA.
So doctors can inject heavy-metal nanoparticles into and around tumors, then apply a tailored dose of radiation. The resulting stream of electrons will destroy the cancer from the inside, so to speak. Scientists have already built a prototype device that demonstrates how X-rays of a certain frequency release electrons from heavy-metal nanoparticles.
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