A new study finds that it is possible to control our cells by means of a smartphone application. And this is through the harnessing of "redox" molecules.

Smartphones are basically used to track a person's health. A wearable like a smart watch or a fitness tracker can be used to keep tabs on the heart rate, pulse rate, physical activities, or any other detail that may have something to do with body functions and the smartphone will display a visual output.

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But another potential use of smartphones has been discovered by researchers. It is possible to "program" our cells via a smartphone app to fight diseases. Organic cells communicate via hormones while electronic devices communicate via electrons, however, new findings conclude that organic cells can be tapped to recognize commands by means of electrons.

The redox molecules manage electrons in biological systems by means of chemical reactions. Harnessing these molecules can make it possible to tap into the cells of the body. Using this method, the researchers were able to flip redox molecules between two states oxidized (on) and reduced (off).

The researchers were able to modify the bacterial cells by controlling the redox molecule called pyocyanin. With this, the team was able to control the protein synthesis of the bacteria. The protein produced glows of green which enabled the team to see the cells being flipped on and off like a light switch.

On another instance, the bacteria can be controlled to move forward when switched on, while it would remain on a certain spot when switched off. Lastly, it was also made possible to influence a collective behavior of a certain group of cells by manipulating the redox molecule.

This could then lead to pairing cells in the body with a smartphone application. The technology can identify or even cure diseases by reprogramming certain cells in our body.