Chitnis receives funding for study of wearable ultrasound systems
Dr. Parag Chitnis at George Mason University leads a multi-disciplinary team researching wearable ultrasound systems for tendon injury prevention and joint assessment.
Bioengineering
Articles tagged with Bioengineering
When muscles work out, they help neurons to grow, a new study shows
A new study by MIT engineers reveals that exercise can stimulate nerve growth, with neurons growing four times farther in the presence of myokines released during muscle contractions. Physical effects of exercise, such as repeated stretching and pulling, also promote nerve growth, challenging previous biochemical-only theories.
Bioluminescent proteins made from scratch enable non-invasive, multi-functional biological imaging
Scientists have designed bioluminescent proteins that can produce multiple colors of light for real-time imaging in cellular and animal models. These proteins are small, efficient, highly stable and can be used for non-invasive bioimaging, diagnostics, drug discovery and more.
Lab-grown human immune system uncovers weakened response in cancer patients
Researchers created tiny lab-grown models of human immune systems to study immune function in cancer and predict disease treatment response. The miniature models support longer cell function, allowing processes like antibody formation to occur similar to the human body.
Making an impact. Research studies a new side of helmet safety: faceguard failures
Researchers found that facemask connections affect helmet performance, leading to increased impact forces. The team developed a novel testing method to measure facemask strength without destruction.
Greener and cleaner: Yeast-green algae mix improves water treatment
Researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University have discovered a combination of green algae and yeast that enhances wastewater treatment efficiency. The mixture boosts the growth environment, uptake of ammonium and phosphate ions, making it an effective solution for wastewater treatment facilities.
A causal theory for studying the cause-and-effect relationships of genes
MIT researchers developed a theoretical foundation for methods to aggregate genes into related groups, enabling the efficient learning of underlying cause-and-effect relationships. They achieve this using only observational data, potentially paving the way for targeted treatments.
Nanoparticles designed to trap and neutralise large amounts of SARS-CoV2
Researchers from the IBB-UAB have developed novel nanoparticles capable of trapping and neutralizing large quantities of SARS-CoV2 virus particles. These nanostructures could be used to manufacture antiviral materials such as wastewater and air filters, and develop new tests for early Covid-19 detection.
Binghamton University researcher to aid innovative Mayo Clinic project to treat inflammatory diseases
A team of researchers, including Binghamton University's Ahyeon Koh, is working on an innovative project to treat inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's and ulcerative colitis. The goal is to create a 'cell factory' in the body that can produce pharmaceuticals to alleviate symptoms.
Revolutionary high-speed 3D bioprinter hailed a game changer for drug discovery
A team of biomedical engineers from the University of Melbourne has developed a groundbreaking 3D printing system that can fabricate complex human tissues in just seconds. This technology significantly improves the potential to predict and develop new pharmaceutical therapies, reducing the need for animal testing.
Researchers Aim To Get Leg Up on Bone Repair with 3D-Printed Femur
University of Texas at Dallas researchers have designed a 3D-printed femur that can help doctors prepare for surgeries and develop treatments for bone tumors. The bone replica is made of polylactic acid, a bio-based polymer, and performed as well as a human femur in biomechanical tests.
Batteries for miniature bio-integrated devices and robotics — here’s how to do it
Researchers at the University of Oxford have developed a miniature, soft lithium-ion battery with features like high capacity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. The battery was used to power small devices in animal models and demonstrated promising results for wireless and biodegradable devices in clinical medicine.
Through the looking glass: A cross-chiral reaction challenges our definition of life
Researchers demonstrate the first cross-chiral exponential amplification of an RNA enzyme, potentially leading to the development of cross-chiral therapeutics and biotechnologies. The discovery suggests that a bioengineer can create a new form of biochemical evolution by using both left- and right-handed molecules.
Center for Genomic Diagnostics receives first USDA grant
The Center for Genomic Diagnostics at the University of Illinois will develop sensitive and rapid biosensors to detect African swine fever virus. The grant aims to improve on-farm detection and surveillance, providing timely control measures.
New discovery reveals how diatoms capture CO2 so effectively
Researchers have discovered a protein shell in diatoms that enables efficient CO2 fixation, with implications for bioengineering approaches to combat climate change. The discovery reveals how diatoms convert CO2 into nutrients through photosynthesis, with potential applications for improving carbon capture from the atmosphere.
Nanoparticle therapy offers new hope for prostate cancer patients
A groundbreaking study has demonstrated the clinical success of a new nanoparticle-based, laser-guided therapy for prostate cancer treatment. The therapy successfully eliminated cancerous cells in 73% of patients after 12 months while preserving key functions and side effects.
How do you remember how to ride a bike? Thank your cerebellum
Studies show that the cerebellum is critical for forming stable memories for sensorimotor skills, largely independent of short-term memory systems. Researchers found that longer time intervals between trials increased reliance on impaired long-term memory.
Research Alert: Glowing proteins enable real-time, 3-D study of essential enzymes
Researchers at UC San Diego developed a fluorescent biosensor to observe PKC activity in real time and 3D space. The study revealed designated signaling territories where different types of PKC are active, shedding light on their critical role in human disease.
A new method makes high-resolution imaging more accessible
Researchers at MIT have developed a new expansion technique to image nanoscale structures inside cells using conventional light microscopes. The method, which expands tissue 20-fold in a single step, allows for high-resolution imaging of organelles and protein clusters.
Octopus-inspired adhesive works well in wet conditions
Researchers developed an octopus-inspired adhesive with elastic, curved stalk and membrane that adheres to multiple surfaces in wet environments. The adhesive demonstrated strong attachment to complex objects and could be rapidly attached and released.
Advancing CRISPR: Lehigh University engineering researchers to develop predictive models for gene editing
Researchers at Lehigh University are developing predictive models for gene editing with CRISPR to improve outcomes and expand medical applications. The team is using AI and advanced computer models to simulate the effects of altering a single gene on the entire genome, enabling them to predict and avoid unintended consequences.
Research by UVA faculty member could help prevent organ transplant rejection
Researchers have made breakthroughs in creating nanoparticles that can modify the immune system to accept transplanted organs without compromising it. This new approach has potential implications for treating diabetes, cell therapy, and autoimmune disorders, offering hope for patients who currently face rejection.
Carnegie Mellon University secures ARPA-H award to improve adherence, lower cost of treatment for obesity and Type 2 diabetes patients
A Carnegie Mellon University-led team is developing a bioelectronic implant called ROGUE that can produce a year's supply of treatment for chronic diseases like Type 2 diabetes and obesity. The device will offer continuous, adjustable therapy deployment via a minimally invasive procedure.
Carnegie Mellon to lead development of implantable cell-based bioelectronic devices for patient-specific treatment and disease monitoring
A Carnegie Mellon-led team has secured a $42 million grant to develop implantable, cell-based bioelectronic devices for real-time therapy and disease monitoring in patients with thyroid disorders. The devices will offer adjustable, low-cost treatment and continuous biomarker measurement.
New imaging technique brings us closer to simplified, low-cost agricultural quality assessment
Researchers developed a method to reconstruct hyperspectral images from standard RGB images using deep machine learning. The technique achieved over 70% accuracy in predicting soluble solid content and 88% accuracy in dry matter content in sweet potatoes, with potential applications for the agricultural industry.
A two-dose schedule could make HIV vaccines more effective
Researchers at MIT found that a two-dose schedule for an HIV vaccine can generate a strong response to the virus, outperforming a traditional seven-dose regimen. The first dose primes the immune system, helping it to produce antibodies more effectively when a larger dose is administered one week later.
Versatile knee exo for safer lifting
A new knee exoskeleton has been developed to support the quadriceps muscles during lifting tasks, helping workers maintain better posture even when fatigued. The device, which uses a complex algorithm to predict assistance needs, enabled participants to lift faster and with improved posture.
Researchers take power and efficiency of biological sensing to record level
Researchers developed a label-free biological sensing method that can detect substances at the zeptomolar level, significantly improving drug testing and research capabilities. This advancement has the potential to lead to portable sensors for environmental toxins, food quality monitoring, and cancer screening.
Cow slime can help disc herniation patients after surgery
Researchers developed a synthetic mucin gel inspired by cow slime to create a protective barrier around discs, preventing immune system attacks. This innovative approach may improve patient outcomes and reduce long-term complications after disc herniation surgery.
A new app to “uncuff” blood pressure monitoring
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed an innovative smartphone application that can measure pulse pressure, a critical metric for detecting hypertension. The app uses motion-sensing accelerometers and front cameras to calculate pulse pressure, which is closely correlated with hypertension, according to the study.
$1.8 million NIH grant to FAU engineering fuels quest to decode human evolution
Researchers at FAU aim to identify signatures of natural selection in the human genome, understanding its role in adaptation and disease. The $1.8 million NIH grant will develop powerful tools for complex modes of adaptation from genetic data.
Prestigious NSF award to advance UK research to track emerging pathogens
The University of Kentucky has been awarded a six-year, $18 million NSF grant to establish the NSF ESCAPE center for assessing pathogen emergence. The center will focus on environmental surveillance using social science, engineering, bioinformatics, and risk modeling to predict and prevent pandemics.
Rice lab develops protein assembly road map for gas vesicles
Researchers at Rice University have created a roadmap showing how proteins interact to form the nanometer-thin shell of gas vesicles. This breakthrough enables the development of medically useful GV varieties in the lab, which can be used for diagnostics and therapeutics.
Borderzone Breakthrough: A new source of cardiac inflammation
Researchers at University of California San Diego have identified a novel mechanism of cardiac inflammation that may prevent heart failure after a heart attack. The borderzone, surrounding the infarcted area, is found to be a key region for this inflammation, with heart muscle cells playing a dominant role in initiating it.
Researchers develop new implant to power healing after spinal cord injury
A new implant has been developed to encourage nerve cell repair after spinal cord injury. The implant uses electrical signals and a 3D-printed scaffold to bridge the gap and direct axons to grow back in the correct formation, promoting healing and recovery.
Scientists use evolution to bioengineer new pathways to sustainable energy, pharmaceuticals
Researchers engineered bacteria-yeast hybrids to perform photosynthetic carbon assimilation, generating cellular energy without traditional carbon feedstocks. The hybrids can produce important hydrocarbons, paving new biotechnical pathways to non-petroleum-based energy and synthetic biology applications.
A hybrid arrowhead against immune disorders
Researchers have developed a novel, more selective inhibitor of the human immunoproteasome using a bacterially derived natural product. The new compound targets autoimmune diseases without disrupting other cellular mechanisms.
Shape-shifting WVU robot inspired by insect swarms and tree roots is teaching itself to mark contamination zones
The WVU team, led by Yu Gu, is testing Loopy's ability to 'co-design' itself and learn to mark contaminated areas. Inspired by natural phenomena like ant swarms and tree roots, Loopy changes form in response to its environment.
Tiny killers: How autoantibodies attack the heart in lupus patients
A team of researchers from Columbia University and Harvard University report that autoantibodies alone directly affect heart function in lupus patients. The study identified four autoantibodies that may directly affect the heart muscle, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies.
Illinois researchers develop index to quantify circular bioeconomy
The Illinois researchers developed a new index called the Circularity Index (CI), which measures circularity on a scale from 0 to 1. It includes eight categories: take, make, distribute, use, dispose, recover, remake, and reuse. The CI can be used to evaluate strategies and impacts in bioeconomic systems.
How air-powered computers can prevent blood clots
Researchers developed an air-powered computer that sets off alarms when certain medical devices fail, preventing blood clots and strokes. The device uses air to issue warnings, reducing costs and improving safety in healthcare settings.
A new method for protection from plant pathogens could help support global food security.
Researchers have engineered a plant immune receptor to robustly bind a conserved fungal pathogen effector, demonstrating potential for new resistance traits against rice blast disease and other plant diseases. This approach could lead to improved crop protection and global food supply stability.
Alaskan land eroding faster due to climate change
A recent study by UT Arlington scientist Nathan D. Brown shows Alaskan land is eroding faster than it can be replaced due to climate change. The team mapped and dated floodplain deposits, determining permafrost extent, to model how permafrost formation varies with air temperature.
University of Houston researchers create new treatment and vaccine for flu and various coronaviruses
Researchers at the University of Houston have developed two nasal sprays, NanoSTING and NanoSTING-SN, to prevent respiratory virus transmission. NanoSTING is an immune activator that can protect against multiple viruses, while NanoSTING-SN is a pan-coronavirus vaccine that can prevent transmission to unvaccinated individuals.
Could this new drug turn back the clock on multiple sclerosis?
Researchers have developed a new therapy called PIPE-307 that targets an elusive receptor on certain cells in the brain, prompting them to mature into myelin-producing oligodendrocytes. This could potentially reverse damage caused by multiple sclerosis, leading to improved movement, balance, and vision.
Angel Martí elected fellow of the American Chemical Society
Angel Martí, a professor at Rice University's Wiess School of Natural Sciences, has been elected a fellow of the American Chemical Society. He was recognized for his outstanding scientific achievements and service to the society, including leading research on Alzheimer's disease and developing new treatments.
Organic nanozymes have broad applications from food and agriculture to biomedicine
Research from the University of Illinois highlights the potential of organic nanozymes for broader applications beyond traditional uses of inorganic nanozymes. The development of sustainable, environmentally friendly materials offers a promising solution for various industries.
Innovative method for 3D quantitative phase imaging
Researchers at UCLA have developed a wavelength-multiplexed diffractive optical processor that enables all-optical multiplane quantitative phase imaging. This approach allows for rapid and efficient imaging of specimens across multiple axial planes without the need for digital phase recovery algorithms.
Advanced printing crafts precision scaffolds for tissue regeneration
Researchers developed core-shell microfibrous scaffolds that excel in rotator cuff repair, restoring natural morphology and mechanical properties. The acellular, in situ tissue engineering technology harnesses stem cell regenerative abilities to provide robust biological regeneration without cell seeding.
Foldable pouch actuator improves finger extension in soft rehabilitation gloves
Researchers from Chiba University developed a foldable pouch actuator that enables finger extension in soft rehabilitation gloves, overcoming the limitation of existing actuators. The FPA facilitates joint-specific movements and has potential applications in telerehabilitation and care facilities.
Pocket-sized invention revolutionizes ability to detect harmful materials
A new handheld device enables rapid non-invasive detection of harmful chemicals and biological molecules using a Raman spectrometer and cellphone camera. This technology reduces analysis time from days to minutes, making it ideal for remote areas where laboratory spectrometers are impractical.
Tulane awarded $11.2 million NIH grant to pioneer sex-based precision medicine
The Tulane University-led COBRE will investigate biological sex and gender differences to improve medical outcomes, focusing on differences in autoimmune diseases, pneumonia infections, and treatment responses. The center aims to develop sex-specific miniaturized models of human tissues and organs to study disease progression.
Microbeads with adaptable fluorescent colors from visible light to near-infrared
The team created microbeads that emit various colors of light depending on the illuminating light and bead size, offering a wide range of applications. The use of plant-derived materials allows for low-cost and energy-efficient synthesis, making them an attractive alternative to conventional luminescent devices.
Researchers move closer to green hydrogen via water electrolysis
A Northwestern University study reveals the experimental evidence for how the surface of iridium oxide changes during water electrolysis, enabling the design of a novel catalyst with higher activity and longer stability. The new catalyst is three to four times more efficient than existing iridium-based catalysts.
New bio-based tool quickly detects concerning coronavirus variants
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a bioelectric device that can detect and classify new coronavirus variants, identifying those most harmful. The device uses a biomembrane on a microchip to recreate the cellular environment for infection, allowing for quick characterization and analysis of variant mechanics.
Flexible and durable bioelectrodes: the future of healthcare wearables
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a flexible and durable bioelectrode material composed of single-wall carbon nanotubes on a stretchable poly(styrene-b-butadiene-b-styrene) nanosheet. The material showed impressive flexibility, high water vapor permeability and resilience for extended use.
Understanding the synchronization of physiological states during a live music performance
A study by Waseda University researcher Ryota Nomura found that synchronized heart rates among concertgoers are linked to reliable physiological reactions rather than emotional response. This discovery could lead to better theater experiences and improved performances.
RecombinHunt: predicting new pandemics through data analysis
Recombinhunt, a new data-driven method, identifies recombinant SARS-CoV-2 genomes with one or two breakpoints, offering high specificity and sensitivity. The approach also detects viral genomes from the monkeypox epidemic with high concordance.
NYU Abu Dhabi researchers identify unique survival strategies adopted by fish in the world’s warmest waters
Researchers discovered adaptations in metabolism and swimming abilities that enable fish to survive extreme temperatures in the Arabian Gulf. The study challenges prevailing views on the 'shrinking of fishes phenomenon' and proposes a new theory on energy balance and survival.
What happens during the first moments of butterfly scale formation
Researchers observed the formation of butterfly scales' ridged pattern through advanced imaging techniques. The team found that a smooth surface wrinkles to form microscopic undulations before growing into finely patterned ridges.