Artificial Cilia

Using colloidal films, researchers at the University of Southern Mississippi (Hattiesburg, MS) have produced filaments that contain molecular sensors which respond to changes in temperature, acidity and ultraviolet radiation.  Further, these filaments move in response to the stimuli.  These properties, in fact, mimic the cilia on specialized cells that detect smell, hearing, and fluid flow.  Developers of this material believe it could be incorporated into several medical devices, one of which could be a glucose monitor.          MORE

Image Credit: Zina Deretsky, National Science Foundation.and QMedicine