ScienceAugust 25, 2026

nanoprobes

NAN-oh-proh-bz

Definition

Extremely small sensors or diagnostic tools, typically on the molecular or atomic scale, used to measure or interact with biological processes inside cells.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek 'nanos' (dwarf) and the Greek 'probes' (an inquiry or examination), indicating a tool designed to investigate at an infinitesimally small, or 'dwarf' scale.

In the news

The article uses 'nanoprobes' to describe the advanced sensors being developed by the QuBBE institute to measure biological properties at a level previously impossible.

NSF Awards More Than $290M to 8 Quantum Research Institutes

Read the full article ↗

HPCwire

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