Magnetic Nanoparticles Could Detect and Treat Ectopic Pregnancies

Researchers at Oregon State University and OHSU developed cobalt-doped iron oxide nanoparticles that accumulate in the placenta, appear on MRI and, when heated to 45 °C, disrupt pregnancy tissue. In pregnant mice the approach selectively destroyed gestational sacs while preserving uterine tissue and fertility.

• Nanoparticles accumulate in the placenta and are visible on MRI
• Heating to 45 °C disrupts the gestational sac without surgery
• Mice retained surrounding uterine tissue and fertility
• Ectopic pregnancy affects about 2% of US pregnancies, ~100,000 a year