Scientists Store Data in DNA of Living Bacteria
Using electrical inputs and CRISPR biology, researchers have programmed bacteria to encode binary data. Continue reading Scientists Store Data in DNA of Living Bacteria
Tag: Bioengineering
Redesigning the polio vaccine – Lessons from evolution
Current polio vaccines have been successful in nearly eradicating polio in the world. Unfortunately, there have been emerging cases of polio in recent years. To combat this, scientists have designed a new oral poliovirus vaccine that could result in a new and safer polio vaccine. Continue reading Redesigning the polio vaccine – Lessons from evolution
3D printed corals grow algae that photosynthesize more efficiently
Central to coral reefs around the world is the deeply interdependent relationship between corals and algae. This interconnection is responsible for algae’s protected habitat, corals’ bright colors, and the mutual exchange of nutrients for photosynthesis. Algae growth is modulated by a process called self-shading, decreasing exposure to light. In an artificial setup, however, this process prevents researchers from growing coral quickly. To prevent this light … Continue reading 3D printed corals grow algae that photosynthesize more efficiently
3D-Printed Brain Helps Scientists Study Cancer and Test Drugs
Scientists use 3D printed brain tissue and cancer to quickly test drug efficacy. Continue reading 3D-Printed Brain Helps Scientists Study Cancer and Test Drugs
It’s Alive!: A Living Smart Material
Bioengineers from the University of Texas at Dallas have developed a new form of composite material by incorporating yeast into a gel. They demonstrated that the composite can change size depending on the nutrients present around the gel and that different shapes can be formed by genetically manipulating the yeast. Continue reading It’s Alive!: A Living Smart Material
Ultrasound speaker implant that can open a door to your brain
Scientists have developed a biodegradable ultrasound speaker that can be placed inside the brain. When activated, it makes the blood-brain barrier permeable, potentially allowing certain drugs such as brain cancer chemotherapy and antidepressants to reaching their destination more easily. Continue reading Ultrasound speaker implant that can open a door to your brain
‘Double-sided tape’ could replace surgical stitches
Sutures are commonly used to close wounds in the skin or other tissues. Similar to sewing fabric, the doctors will use a needle attached to a thread to penetrate the tissue and close the edges of the wound together, facilitating quick healing. Although surgical sutures have been used for thousands of years, they still have some limitations: 1) the needles cause some damage to the … Continue reading ‘Double-sided tape’ could replace surgical stitches
Brain-machine interfaces may be used to study and regulate mood
Brain-machine interfaces translate brain signals into information that can be used to control robotic limbs, and now even predict an individual’s mood state. Researchers envision using BMIs together with electrical stimulation, to regulate abnormal brain signals in patients with treatment-resistant neuropsychiatric disorders. Continue reading Brain-machine interfaces may be used to study and regulate mood
The science behind mother of pearl: what makes Nacre the mother of materials
A new study deems mother of pearl or nacre to be the toughest material. Under pressure, nacre’s structure deforms to withstand force and then retains its original form when released. Unlike plastic, the material also fully recovers its strength once released. Continue reading The science behind mother of pearl: what makes Nacre the mother of materials
Magnetic field-controlled drug delivery to the brain
Researchers have developed a minimally-invasive and precise brain drug delivery system that is controlled by an external magnetic field. Read Anqi Zhang’s article to learn more about neuron modulation by drug delivery! Continue reading Magnetic field-controlled drug delivery to the brain