Got a toothache? There’s a bot for that

IN FOCUS

In today’s newsletter, we look at:

• Teeth today, cancer tomorrow: a nanobot startup’s goal to solve universal healthcare issues
• Nanotechnology’s key role as an enabler across many industries

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Welcome to On the Rise! Delivered every Tuesday via email and through the Tech in Asia website, this free newsletter spotlights emerging startups and the biggest trends in the tech ecosystem. If you’re not a subscriber, get access by registering here.

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Hi there,

I’ve always dreaded visits to the dentist.

While the long wait times were annoying, what I truly feared hearing was, “You might need a root canal.” Even routine tooth fillings made me nervous, especially when I imagined all the drilling and discomfort involved.

Today, however, new technology might already be changing how these procedures are done. In fact, an India-based startup, Theranautilus, is working on developing microscopic nanobots that can treat diseased teeth with surgical precision, potentially without even needing a trained dentist.

It’s a groundbreaking approach that could make even the most dreaded procedures feel like a breeze.

In this week’s Big Story, my colleague Scott dives deep into how this nanotech – created by three scientists – works and the bold ambitions of the company to use it for cancer treatment next.

We also look at how nanotechnology is driving big breakthroughs across many industries, from making agricultural practices more sustainable to improving the reliability of quantum computers.

– Glenn

P.S. The team behind this newsletter will be taking a break for the next two weeks and will be back in your inbox in the new year, starting on January 7. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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BIG STORY

Nanobots take on achy teeth in 2026. Is cancer next?

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Deep Reads

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Emerging News

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