Nanotechnology

Another interesting article:

http://www.med.umich.edu/opm/newspage/2005/nanoparticles.htm

These two paragraphs in particular caught my eye:

Folic acid, or folate, is an important vitamin required for the healthy functioning of all cells. But cancer cells, in particular, seem to need more than average amounts. To soak up as much folate as possible, some cancer cells display more docking sites called folate receptors on their cell membranes. By taking advantage of a cancer cell's appetite for folate, U-M scientists are able to prevent the cells from developing resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs.

“It's like a Trojan horse,” Baker explains. “Folate molecules on the nanoparticle bind to receptors on tumor cell membranes and the cell immediately internalizes it, because it thinks it's getting the vitamin it needs. But while it's bringing folate across the cell membrane, the cell also draws in the methotrexate that will poison it.”

I'm fascinated by the notion of a cancer cell being "tricked" like this. I know the cell itself is not a sentient being, but at the very low chemical level, the idea that its "hunger" for folic acid would provide a means of enhancing the transport of lethal medicine is just fascinating.

And no, such things don't diminish my sense of the wonder of God and his creative works. If anything, it enhances it. He created the very stuff that makes up the molecules of folic acid, and he created the laws of chemical interaction that makes "receptors" possible. I am reminded of the Star Trek episode where Kirk is fighting the Gorn (large lizard-like being) on a planet stocked with all the necessary raw materials for offensive and defensive combat. Kirk stumbles upon a cache of sulpher, saltpeter and charcoal -- the makings of gunpowder. The crew of the Enterprise looks on, unable to intervene or help. Mr. Spock, seeing that Captain Kirk understands what he has at his disposal, says to Dr. McCoy: "Yes ... yes. He gets it, Doctor. He gets it."

There is no element of human endeavor that hasn't already been addressed in a Star Trek episode.