Magnetic ion channel activation (MICA) technology enables a level of remote control over the molecular functions of nanoparticle-tagged cells using magnets acting over a distance, that is, from outside the body.1,2 The MICA principle involves surface functionalising superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) with a biomolecule – commonly either an antibody or ligand.3 A moving external magnetic field then applies a dynamic force (torque) to the nanoparticle which delivers mechanical forces to the target, resulting in mechanotransduction or activation of downstream signalling (Figure 1). We have previously demonstrated that ion channels,4,5 integrins,4–7 and Wnt receptors8 can be activated using this method, allowing researchers external, electronic control over complex biological pathways and downstream stem-cell differentiation.