MIT researchers used the CometChip technology to screen the effects of nanoparticles (amorphous silica, zinc oxide, cerium dioxide, iron oxide and silver nanoparticles) on DNA in two types of cells. Especially zinc oxide and silver nanoparticles caused substantial damage to DNA. This is of particular importance since the materials are used in consumer products (e.g. in textiles and cosmetics). The method itself could prove valuable not only in toxicology but also in the development of novel nanoparticles. Read more