About a decade ago, most scientific communities believed that extracellular vesicles (EVs)—the small particles that are created by every cell in our body—were not much more than nonfunctional waste. However, recent research is uncovering a lot of information about these particles, much of which could allow us to predict the likelihood of a cancer metastasizing in the human body, and potentially even use them as a treatment for myocarditis (inflammation of the heart) and lung ischemia with effusion injuries.

This is just part of what Dr. Joy Wolfram, Director of The Nanomedicine and Extracellular Vesicles Lab at the Mayo Clinic in Florida is researching. In addition, she is focused on synthesizing nanoparticles capable of carrying cancer drug and anti-inflammatory compounds directly to the site of diseased tissues in the body. Interested in learning more? By tuning in, you’ll discover:

• The challenges and benefits of synthesizing nanoparticles in the development of nanomedicine
• How an analysis of the sugars on the surface of EVs might predict whether a cancer is likely to metastasize in a patient
• How EVs could contribute to regenerative medicine

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