Articles tagged with Bioengineering
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers discovered that twisting carbon nanotube bundles creates long, curved disclination lines, decreasing their mechanical strength. The study sheds light on the correlation between microscopic internal changes and material properties, paving the way for potential solutions to realize high-performance CNT yarns.
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.
The team, led by Professor Shoji Takeuchi, created a layer of skin that can bind to complex forms of humanoid robots, granting them increased mobility and self-healing abilities. The research has potential applications in the cosmetics industry, medical research, and robotics.
Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed SeekRNA, a programmable tool that can precisely target and relocate genetic sequences with high accuracy and flexibility. This breakthrough technology surpasses current limitations of CRISPR, enabling more precise editing and reducing errors.
A study analyzing 5 million nights of sleep data identifies five main sleep types, with frequent changes between these types offering insights into chronic health conditions like diabetes and sleep apnea. Long-term tracking of sleep patterns may unlock new public health insights.
Purdue University researchers developed a portable, paper-based system to detect fecal contamination on commercial fresh produce farms. The system uses loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and achieves 100% accurate results within an hour.
A new technology combines femtosecond laser-designed lubricated slippery surfaces with electrostatic interactions to manipulate droplets. This allows for diverse working conditions and functions, including driving droplets on inclined surfaces, manipulating various liquids, and sorting particles.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine identified a potentially new biological target involving Aplp1, which drives the spread of Parkinson's disease-causing alpha-synuclein. The findings suggest targeting this interaction with drugs could slow Parkinson's disease progression and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have successfully integrated focused ultrasound stimulation into noninvasive BCIs, significantly boosting signal quality and enabling bidirectional brain-computer interfaces. The technology allows individuals to control a cursor or robotic arm using only their thoughts.
A new technology combining holographic acoustic devices with genetic engineering allows precise targeting of affected neurons in the brain, potentially treating neurodegenerative diseases. The technique, AhSonogenetics, uses a noninvasive wearable ultrasound device to alter genetically selected neurons in mice, alleviating Parkinson's-...
Researchers are developing advanced electronic bandages to improve chronic wound monitoring and healing. These 'smart' dressings can sense and respond to changing conditions, providing continuous data on healing and potential complications.
Researchers have developed a novel pipeline to study proteins with no fixed structures, using cell-free protein crystallization techniques. This approach enables fast and convenient analysis of intrinsically disordered proteins, paving the way for new drugs and bioanalytical techniques.
Researchers develop fully human antibodies that can neutralize the alpha-latrotoxin of the European black widow, a neurotoxin causing severe pain and hypertension. The study uses in vitro methods to create recombinant human antibodies, offering a safer treatment alternative with potential cross-reactive properties.
Moffitt's dedicated bioengineering department is revolutionizing cancer research through an interdisciplinary approach. This powerful platform combines engineering, physical sciences, and oncology to understand and treat complex cancer.
Researchers Manu Prakash and Eliott Flaum have discovered a new geometric mechanism in the single-cell organism Lacrymaria olor, enabling it to produce complex morphodynamics through curved-crease origami. The cell's cytoskeletal structure encodes this behavior, which is driven by a singularity that acts as a controller.
A University of Houston researcher has developed a new method to detect cancer using PANORAMA imaging and fluorescent imaging, achieving a 98.7% accuracy rate. The method analyzes the number and cargo of small EVs in patients' blood samples, allowing for early detection and improved treatment efficacy.
Researchers created a prototype of 'living bioelectronics', combining bacteria, sensors, and gel to integrate with living tissue. The device reduced inflammation and improved psoriasis-like symptoms in mice, offering potential for treating various skin conditions and injuries.
The ACCELERATE program aims to enhance educational experiences of HCC students, providing access to resources and opportunities for biomedical research training. Students will participate in extracurricular laboratory modules, immersive research training, and mentorship programs.
Researchers at the University of Houston have identified a subset of T cells called CD8-fit that show high motility and serial killing capabilities in patients with clinical responses. These cells were discovered using a patented approach called TIMING, which evaluates cell behavior and movement to identify potential cancer-killing cells.
Researchers developed adhesive hydrogel coatings that eliminate fibrosis, a common issue with medical implants. The coatings bind devices to tissue and prevent the immune system from attacking them.
A team of visionaries at the Carney Institute developed 3D-printed brain and spinal cord implants, revolutionizing surgical implantations and optical access. Bioluminescence imaging overcomes limitations of traditional fluorescent microscopy, providing unprecedented observation of neural and vascular activity.
Researchers at Aarhus University have developed a three-stage process to convert polyethylene (PE) into biodegradable polyester, addressing the issue of plastic waste. The method utilizes enzymes, microorganisms, and chemical processes to break down PE's strong carbon bonds.
Engineers at the University of California San Diego used a new technique called MUSIC to map out interactions between chromatin and RNA in individual brain cells. The study found that some brain cells age faster and are more prevalent in individuals with Alzheimer's disease, particularly in women.
Scientists studied the nickel-tungsten alloy interface to understand its properties and behavior. The research revealed the formation of intermetallic compounds and diffusion-induced recrystallization regions, which significantly impact the material's mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties.
A study published in Nature Geoscience elucidates the discrepancy between Martian and Earth-based organic matter. Researchers found that photodissociation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere leads to organic matter with depleted carbon-13 content, pointing to an atmospheric process as the main source.
MIT engineers create technique to image bioluminescent molecules in deep tissue with high resolution, enabling detailed studies of brain cell development and communication. The method uses engineered blood vessels that dilate in response to light, allowing researchers to pinpoint the source of light.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge developed flexible electronic devices that wrap around the spinal cord, recording nerve signals and stimulating limb movement. The devices could lead to treatments for spinal injuries without brain surgery, improving safety for patients.
Researchers created GraSSRep and rhea, tools that outperform current methods for handling repeats and structural variants in metagenomic data. These methods use self-supervised learning and graph neural networks to analyze microbiome data, offering new insights into biological processes and potential applications in antibiotic resistance.
A team of researchers has developed a hemostasis sponge that swiftly staunchs kidney bleeding and facilitates wound recovery. The material uses kidney-derived decellularized extracellular matrix to recreate the kidney's microenvironment, boasting high biocompatibility.
Researchers at the University of Washington have solved a long-standing chemical mystery in organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs), which allow current to flow in devices like implantable biosensors. The study reveals that OECTs turn on via a two-step process, causing a lag, and off through a simpler one-step process.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego developed a biodegradable form of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) filled with bacterial spores from Bacillus subtilis. The material breaks down in compost environments within five months, even without additional microbes.
Scientists from OIST created synthetic droplets to mimic biological processes, finding that pH gradients facilitate Marangoni effect and enabling droplets to detect and migrate towards each other. This study sheds light on the movement of simplest forms of life in primordial soup billions of years ago.
A flexible microdisplay device can track and display neural activity in the brain, allowing neurosurgeons to visualize critical cortical boundaries and guide surgical interventions. The device reduces the need for a buffer zone, enabling more precise removal of harmful tissue.
Scientists have developed mini-colon tissues that can simulate the complex process of tumorigenesis outside the body with high fidelity. These miniature organs mimic the physical structure and cellular diversity of colon tissue, allowing researchers to study colorectal cancer development and test potential therapies.
Researchers have discovered that rice bran-derived nanoparticles exhibit strong anticancer effects, selectively targeting cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. The nanoparticles reduced tumor growth and inhibited metastatic cell growth in mice models.