Articles tagged with Bioengineering
Nanoparticle-mediated cancer therapeutics offer improved targeting and reduced toxicity through passive and active mechanisms. This enhances therapeutic results while tackling drug resistance and boosting specificity.
Dr. Quentin Sanders and his team are developing customized prosthetic limbs for active children with lower extremity amputation through 'Fused Filament Fabrication'. Their research aims to identify factors influencing child participation in physical activity and predict demands on prostheses.
Researchers at UCSB have created an algae-based gel as a platform for studying mammary epithelial cells, which can transform into cancer cells. The gel supports the development of normal mammary gland tissue and can be modified to direct cell growth, offering new insights into how cancer develops.
A new study from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem suggests that the stability of alpha amino acid backbones led to their selection as the foundation for proteins. The research proposes an assembly-driven model for the origins of life, offering fresh insight into how chemistry shaped biology.
A new test delivers results in under an hour without specialized lab equipment, enabling 'screen-and-treat' strategies to save countless lives. The portable, battery-operated device is projected to cost less than $8 each, making it ideal for low-resource settings.
A new study finds that over 50% of small-molecule drug patents this century are connected to NIH-backed research that would likely be cut under a 40% budget reduction. This highlights the significant impact of federally funded research on the development of life-changing medicines.
Researchers identified mucins that defend against Salmonella and other bacteria causing diarrhea. Synthetic versions of these mucins could help prevent or treat illness in soldiers or travelers. The study suggests a low-cost solution to a major global health challenge.
A new high-throughput screening approach has enhanced CRISPR genome-editing efficiency by identifying promising CAST variants. The method allows for rapid optimization of these candidates, uncovering mechanistic insights that can inform further engineering and potential clinical use.
A wearable device called a-Heal optimizes each stage of the wound healing process using AI and bioelectronics, delivering medication or an electric field for personalized treatment. Initial preclinical results show the device speeds up the healing process by 25% compared to standard care.
A new study reveals a way to produce short-chain volatile fatty acids (VFA) at lower cost by adding hydrogen peroxide to sewage, which can then be reclaimed for use in manufacturing and agricultural processes. Light exposure further enhances the efficiency of this process.
Two projects funded by federal grants use AI to design proteins for industrial applications, such as producing acrylates in paints. UC Davis will also expand its student training program in protein design to bring hands-on research opportunities to thousands of students nationwide.
Researchers at Graz University of Technology created a highly detailed digital twin of the A549 lung cancer cell line, paving the way for individualized cancer treatment. The model simulates calcium dynamics and electrical voltages, allowing for testing of drugs and personalized treatment strategies.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new approach to gene editing that reduces errors by up to 90%, making it a safer alternative for treating genetic diseases. The technique uses modified versions of the Cas9 enzyme to target specific DNA sequences, reducing off-target effects and increasing precision.
The team will study neurons within a brain organoid, a millimeter-sized, three-dimensional structure grown in the lab from adult stem cells, to design smarter and more sustainable artificial intelligence. They aim to replicate complex computations that occur in the human brain to improve AI efficiency.
Scientists have achieved a major breakthrough by 3D bioprinting miniature placentas, which can accurately replicate the human placenta. This technology has the potential to transform pregnancy research by allowing for the study of serious complications like preeclampsia.
Researchers at UC Davis develop new technologies for plant-based biomanufacturing, addressing resource constraints and sustainability. The project aims to create a powerful technology for producing biomolecules and materials, focusing on low-cost infrastructure, novel bioproduction platforms and efficient processing.
A new review in Microbial Biotechnology highlights microbes as allies in various industries, from food fermentation to biofuels. Films such as French Kiss and The Martian showcase microbes as positive forces, challenging the traditional villain stereotype.
Researchers from Korea University mapped the evolutionary trajectory of meningiomas at single-cell resolution, revealing profound shifts in proliferative programs and tumor–immune interactions. The study identified COL6A3 as a central player driving recurrence and treatment resistance.
Researchers create peptide hydrogel that controls drug release, improving treatment adherence and efficacy for conditions like tuberculosis and diabetes. The SABER platform uses reversible chemical bonds to slow down drug release, offering a promising solution for precise delivery.
Researchers at NUS have developed a bioengineering approach to keep human lymph node tissue alive and functioning outside the body for several days. The method involves embedding thin slices of lymph node tissue in a soft gel that mimics the body's natural environment, allowing for detailed studies of immune cell behavior.
Graz researchers investigate homocysteine's impact on the aorta, finding elevated levels lead to stiffer and less elastic vessels. This discovery contributes to understanding of cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis.
A new hydrogel has been developed to combat vaginal changes caused by menopause, offering a hormone-free alternative for treatment. The study found that the hydrogel improved vaginal tissue thickness and reduced inflammation, providing potential relief from symptoms such as dryness and pain.
Researchers at UMC Utrecht developed a new AI-powered printer called GRACE that can print implantable tissues with improved cell survival and functionality. The printer uses computer vision and laser-based imaging to design and print complex structures, including blood vessels and cartilage layers.
Scientists developed hollow microspheres with adjustable pore size, adhesion, and lubricity properties using mucus and polydopamine. These spheres can be used as drug delivery agents and may prevent tissue damage or provide a protective coating.
Engineered cell lines are prone to misidentification, threatening scientific discoveries and intellectual property. Researchers at UT Dallas have developed a novel method to embed unique genetic identifiers, eliminating identification errors and safeguarding innovations with tamper-proof genomic tags.
Researchers at Harvard SEAS have developed a gentler, more sustainable way to break down keratins and turn leftover wool and feathers into useful products. The process uses concentrated lithium bromide to create an environment favorable for spontaneous protein unfolding.
Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that adding an electrical jolt to fermentation increases the yield and speed of platform chemicals from industrial food waste. Combining two bacterial species also enhances targeted chemical production and produces hydrogen gas as a byproduct, reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
Scientists have developed a new computational method to build the first 4D lipid map of a vertebrate embryo, capturing how lipid distributions change over time. The atlas reveals organized patterns of lipids that match anatomical structures, suggesting key roles in shaping organ function and identity.
The system uses magnetoelectric power-transfer technology to deliver precise electrical stimulation to organs like the heart and spinal cord. The more devices in the network, the more efficient it is, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional implantable medical devices. This technology has potential for treating conditions s...
Researchers developed novel sweat sensors that mimic the microtexture of rose petals, enhancing stability, performance, and comfort. The sensors demonstrate a self-cleaning effect, reducing skin irritation and improving user comfort, making them suitable for wearable devices like smartwatches.
Researchers at Lehigh University and the Cleveland Clinic are developing a nonsurgical therapy for pelvic organ prolapse using drug-delivering nanoparticles. The treatment aims to delay or reverse matrix degradation, reducing the severity of POP in patients with earlier stages of the disorder.
A team of researchers has developed a new method to produce sturdy and reusable bioplastics from domestic raw materials, reducing reliance on petroleum-based chemicals. The bioplastics, known as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), have similar levels of toughness and malleability to traditional plastics, but are infinitely recyclable.
Researchers from Seoul National University of Science & Technology developed a smart adhesive system based on starfish for temporary and switchable underwater adhesion. The system exhibits high adhesion hysteresis, automatic release based on outside stimuli, and quick detachment by pneumatic actuation.
Researchers from Japan and USA discover midline tissues use formation control to grow harmoniously, with the notochord leading elongation and adjacent tissues migrating together through fibroblast growth factor gradients and cell adhesion. Computer simulations confirm this mechanism is essential for synchronized tissue development.
Angel Martí, David Sarlah, and Haotian Wang have been honored with national American Chemical Society awards for their outstanding work in chemistry. The ACS awards recognize individuals who not only advance the field but also inspire students from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue careers in chemical sciences.
Researchers have developed a data-driven way to fit prosthetic legs that could lead to better fitting prosthetics in less time and at a lower cost. The new technology generates basic design recommendations instantly and has been shown to be as comfortable on average as those created by highly skilled prosthetists.
A wearable robot has been upgraded to provide personalized assistance to ALS and stroke patients. The device uses machine learning and a physics-based model to adapt to an individual user's movements, offering more nuanced help with daily tasks.
Glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss, with over 7.7 million people globally affected in 2020. The new microstent reduces excessive fluid buildup and intraocular pressure, supporting the eye's natural space and improving treatment efficacy. Its durable nickel-titanium alloy enables long-term safety and functionality.
Researchers have created a wearable system that combines drug delivery, electrical stimulation, and continuous monitoring to treat diabetic foot ulcers. The microneedle platform anchors securely into the skin and adjusts therapy in real-time to prevent severe tissue damage.
A new study demonstrates the potential to produce cellular spheroids from clinically relevant embryonic stem cells to generate scaffold-free chondrogenic or osteochondrogenic graft tissues. The researchers successfully cultured ES-MSC cellular spheroids, which matured into neocartilage tissues expressing cartilage-associated genes.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a controlled evolution technique that dramatically increases plasmid DNA (pDNA) production in E. coli bacteria. This breakthrough could significantly reduce the cost of gene therapies and expedite research, making pDNA resources more accessible.
The book provides a roadmap for sustainable and ethical leadership in engineering management, focusing on ESG reporting, CSR integration, and industry-specific insights. It offers practical tools and strategies for professionals to make informed decisions that reduce ecological impact and improve resource efficiency.
Newly developed DNA nanostructures form flexible, fluid, and stimuli-responsive condensates without chemical cross-linking. These findings pave the way for adaptive soft materials with potential applications in drug delivery, artificial organelles, and bioengineering platforms.
A team of researchers found that co-cultivating common bean plants with fragrant bush basil increases the expression of a key gene in plant defense mechanisms, reducing egg-laying activity of agricultural pests. This natural pest control method uses VOCs emitted by bush basil to attract beneficial insects and trigger plant defenses.
The journal is seeking high-quality submissions that explore the potential of voice and speech analysis in diverse medical applications. Submissions focus on acoustic and voice analysis techniques, voice or vocal phenotyping, and vocal biomarkers in health and medicine.
Researchers from Trinity College Dublin develop a method to harness structural colour using microfabrication technique, enabling ultra-sensitive materials for environmental sensing and biomedical diagnostics. The breakthrough also paves the way for next-generation medical sensors that can track biochemical changes in real-time.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a new type of bioplastic, called LEAFF, which is strong, biodegradable, and printable. This innovation uses cellulose nanofibers to address the limitations of current bioplastics and has potential applications for sustainable packaging.
A new silicone patch with star-shaped microneedles, called the ExoPatch, distinguishes melanoma from healthy skin in mice, capturing cancer biomarkers from exosomes. The test shows promise for early detection of the most aggressive form of skin cancer without a biopsy or blood draw.
A new AI model called RiboNN predicts translation efficiency of mRNA sequences, accelerating the development of mRNA therapeutics. The tool helps predict how much protein cells will produce, minimizing trial-and-error experimentation.
A study published in Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials found that wrinkled skin is caused by its tendency to buckle under pressure due to age-related changes in its mechanical properties. As people age, their skin becomes more prone to wrinkles as it stretches and contracts in different directions.
Recent advances in biofabrication and biomedical electronics have led to the development of biohybrid-engineered tissue (BHET) platforms, turning passive constructs into intelligent systems. These platforms show promise in diverse applications, including brain organoids and cardiac tissues, blurring the line between biology and machine.
A team led by University of Houston engineer Tianfu Wu aims to find better biomarkers for ovarian cancer using autoantibodies and machine learning. By detecting ovarian cancer earlier, mortality rates could be reduced by 10-30%.
A new approach by MIT researchers allows scientists to efficiently estimate how combinations of treatments will affect a group, enabling fewer costly experiments while gathering more accurate data. The framework considers the scenario where all treatments are assigned in parallel and controls the outcome by adjusting treatment rates.
Researchers at Kyoto University have created a microphysiological system capable of simulating different regions of human lungs, including the airway and alveoli. This breakthrough enables accurate modeling of viral pathologies and holds promise for personalized treatment of respiratory diseases such as COVID-19.
A team at Binghamton University has developed a process to convert food waste into biodegradable plastic, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and offering a sustainable alternative. The process utilizes bacteria to synthesize polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) plastic, which can be harvested and shaped into various products.
A novel, needle-type biosensor allows for real-time monitoring of sucrose uptake in plants, revealing light-dependent stomatal uptake and daily rhythms. The sensor's high sensitivity and stability enable the detection of subtle physiological events, shedding new light on plant biology.
Researchers at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences have developed a 3-D printed implant that delivers electrical stimulation to injured areas of the spinal cord, enhancing nerve cell growth. The study has shown promising results in lab experiments and may enable new medical devices for traumatic spinal cord injuries.
In a small clinical study, users of this prosthesis navigated more easily and said the limb felt more like part of their body. The new system is directly integrated with the user’s muscle and bone tissue, enabling greater stability and control.
The Buck Institute is pioneering a cloud-based platform to simulate the dynamic behavior of microbial cells, overcoming current whole-cell models' limitations. The SIMBA project aims to advance our understanding of bacterial behavior and address critical challenges in biomanufacturing and national security.
Researchers developed a controlled 'living' click polymerization system to achieve well-defined polymers with narrow dispersity, enabling bidirectional synthesis of ABA-type block copolymers. The method leverages copper-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition and initiators to selectively drive monomer addition in a controlled manner.