Diamond-coated hips could provide patients with long-lasting joint replacements. Scientists believe the artificial joints, which are covered in tiny crystals called nanodiamonds, could last much longer than the current metal and ceramic hip joints. These crystals are formed when TNT is exploded. The microscopic diamonds are contained in the soot from the explosion. Studies show the particles are hard wearing, nontoxic and the body’s immune system doesn’t attack them. Because of their lack of toxicity, scientists are also investigating them as a method of delivering chemotherapy drugs. These are attached to a nanodiamond, which is able to evade the immune system and deliver the drug directly to the cancer cells. The diamond hip joints have so far been trialled in animal studies.
