Skip to Content

Radio-Controlled Genes

Radio waves can be used to activate calcium-sensitive genes by heating injected nanoparticles.

Nature News reported on Friday that radio waves can activate genes in modified mice.

The study, published in Science, shows that radio waves can be used to trigger calcium flow into a cell, thus activating calcium-sensitive genes. The flow of calcium was controlled by a temperature-sensitive protein called TRPV1.

This protein functions as a gated channel; when heated to 42 °C, the otherwise closed channel opens. By injecting mice with iron-oxide-coated nanoparticles designed to seek out a modified TRPV1, the study’s authors were able to use otherwise harmless radio waves to generate the necessary local heat. The radio waves did not harm exposed cells.

Two years ago, a different group of researchers published a study showing the remote control of temperature-sensitive channel proteins by radio waves in nematodes (roundworms). In that work, the researchers were able to modify the behavior of the worms with the radio waves.

The methodology is far from practical so far, but in theory it could be tweaked to control other proteins or used to regulate other calcium-dependent processes, such as muscle contraction or neuron-to-neuron communication. 

Keep Reading

Most Popular

Geoffrey Hinton tells us why he’s now scared of the tech he helped build

“I have suddenly switched my views on whether these things are going to be more intelligent than us.”

ChatGPT is going to change education, not destroy it

The narrative around cheating students doesn’t tell the whole story. Meet the teachers who think generative AI could actually make learning better.

Meet the people who use Notion to plan their whole lives

The workplace tool’s appeal extends far beyond organizing work projects. Many users find it’s just as useful for managing their free time.

Learning to code isn’t enough

Historically, learn-to-code efforts have provided opportunities for the few, but new efforts are aiming to be inclusive.

Stay connected

Illustration by Rose Wong

Get the latest updates from
MIT Technology Review

Discover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.

Thank you for submitting your email!

Explore more newsletters

It looks like something went wrong.

We’re having trouble saving your preferences. Try refreshing this page and updating them one more time. If you continue to get this message, reach out to us at customer-service@technologyreview.com with a list of newsletters you’d like to receive.