Some scientists are now genetically engineering a range of viruses that act as search-and-destroy missiles: selectively infecting and killing cancer cells while leaving healthy ones alone. This new strategy, called virotherapy, has shown promise in animal tests, and clinical trials involving human patients are now under way.

Scientists are looking into a futuristic technology that could lead to interplanetary missions and significantly improve cancer treatments to boot.

A \"smart\" pill capable of diagnosing cancer and ulcers when inside the human
stomach has been developed by scientists at Glasgow University. The battery-powered silicon capsule has been created using nanotechnology to fabricate tiny components which send radio signals to an electronic receiver.

Medical researchers are starting to tap into the computing power of distributed computing networks to find drugs to beat cancer and the common flu.