A group of South Korean and U.S. scientists say they have developed a new technology using nanowires that can treat illness at the cellular level.

The United Press International reported Wednesday that a joint research team at Seoul National University and the University of Idaho found a way to coat a nanowire with medicine.

The researchers said the coated nanowire can penetrate tumors more easily, target specific cells, and thus improve the effectiveness of treatment.

A related paper will be published in the journal Nano Letters next week.