New way of using DNA to kill cancer cells could pave the way for a cure for the disease, say scientists

A new way of using DNA to kill cancer cells has nudged scientists one step closer to finding a cure for the disease. The method targets human cervical cancer and breast cancer-derived cells, as well as malignant melanoma cells in mice.

It uses a pair of hair clip shaped, cancer-killing DNA which were injected into cancer cells. When they were injected into them, they connected to molecules called microRNA which are overproduced in certain cancers.

Once connected to the microRNA they unravelled and formed longer chains of DNA which created an immune response. The immune system recognised the overproduced microRNA cells as dangerous, which activated a natural immune response which killed the cancer cells.

The Japanese research team say their method is different from existing ones and could herald a new era of breakthrough cancer drugs. Cancer is sadly a familiar health concern and existing ways of treating it have their limitations - but drugs based on DNA and RNA are expected to help scientists eventually beat it.

This is because DNA and RNA are vital information-carrying molecules that can control the biological function of cells. They are expected to trans