Molecules' ability to kill cancer enhanced

WASHINGTON, Aug 29, 2005 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- Virginia Tech chemistry and biology researchers report enhancing the abilities of molecules they are creating to kill cancer cells.

The man-made molecular complexes enter cancer cells and, when signaled, deliver killing medicine or cause the cell to change. The "supermolecules" have more units that will absorb light -- providing more control over the range of light frequencies that can be included and excluded as signals and the responses, the scientists said.

Karen Brewer, professor of chemistry and lead author, presented the research Monday in Washington during the 230th annual meeting of the American Chemical Society, the world's largest scientific society.