tiny versions

(Washington University School of Medicine) Ultra-miniature bialy-shaped particles -- called nanobialys because they resemble tiny versions of the flat, onion-topped rolls popular in New York City -- could soon be carrying medicinal compounds through patients' bloodstreams to tumors or atherosclerotic plaques.

The nanobialys answered a need for an alternative to the research group's gadolinium-containing nanoparticles.

Recent studies have shown that gadolinium can be harmful to some patients with severe kidney disease.