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Wireless device ‘speaks’ to the brain with light

Scientists developed a wireless device that uses light to send information directly to the brain, bypassing natural sensory pathways. The soft device delivers precise patterns of light through the bone to activate neurons across the cortex, allowing mice to learn and interpret meaningful signals.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2025

Korea University researchers create hydrogel platform for high-throughput extracellular vesicle isolation

Extracellular vesicles can mediate communication between cells and tissues, influencing processes like immune signaling and cancer progression. Researchers have developed a practical, scalable EV-isolation platform that operates without preprocessing steps or specialized equipment.

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 4, 2025

Apriori Bio and A*STAR Infectious Diseases Labs Announce strategic partnership to advance next generation influenza vaccines

The partnership aims to co-develop and evaluate next-generation self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) vaccines targeting seasonal and pandemic influenza. Apriori's Octavia platform will be combined with A*STAR IDL's saRNA delivery technology to develop improved H5 influenza vaccines that anticipate infection in humans.

Year-round edamame: hydroponic LED plant factories redefine sustainable cultivation

Researchers at Hosei University developed a hydroponic cultivation system using LED lighting to produce high-quality edamame consistently throughout the year. The nutrient film technique (NFT) method resulted in higher yields, better nutritional value, and increased productivity compared to traditional open-field cultivation.

SourceHosei University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 12, 2025

Systematic review of multimodal physiological signals from wearable sensors for affective computing

A systematic review examines the current landscape in data processing flow, multimodal fusion strategy, and model architecture for affective computing. Deep learning methods are shown to extract feature representations with high consistency across public datasets and self-collected data.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalIntelligent Sports and Health·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 12, 2025

Gene editing produces plants that are indigestible to pests

Researchers have made significant advances in genetically modified plants that produce alpha-amylase inhibitor proteins, making them indigestible to pests like bedbugs, beetles, weevils, and woodworms. Gene editing techniques, such as CRISPR, offer a promising solution to combat insect pests without compromising human consumption.

Bacterial spores for sustainable smart materials

Scientists from Delft University of Technology have developed living materials that can detect disease biomarkers, catalyze environmental pollutant breakdown, and function as self-healing composites. The materials are made by embedding bacterial spores in a protective barrier and can be programmed to perform specific tasks.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateNov 11, 2025

Nonsurgical treatment shows promise for targeted seizure control

A nonsurgical approach has been demonstrated to quiet a specific brain circuit in an animal model by delivering engineered gene therapy only to the targeted region. The method uses low-intensity focused ultrasound to open the blood-brain barrier, allowing precise control over brain activity without impacting off-target areas.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Chemical Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2025

CASIA-EXO: A novel exoskeleton for adaptive motor learning in post-stroke rehabilitation

Researchers developed a novel exoskeleton CASIA-EXO with subject-adaptive control, enabling efficient motor relearning and enhancing neural plasticity. The system uses intention-based trajectory planning and performance-based intervention adaptation to individualize training trajectories and intervention levels.

SourceIEEE Chinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2025

Built to heal, born to vanish: the promise of iron-manganese alloys in bone healing

Researchers have identified iron-manganese alloys as promising candidates for temporary bone fixation. These alloys combine strength, biocompatibility, and degradation properties, allowing them to support bone healing while degrading naturally. However, challenges remain, including controlling the release of manganese, which can pose t...

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateNov 5, 2025

Fermentation waste used to make natural fabric

Researchers have successfully produced high-performance fibers from fermentation waste, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional materials. The new fiber requires significantly less water and land than cotton, making it an attractive solution for reducing the environmental impact of the fashion industry.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2025

Scientists produce powerhouse pigment behind octopus camouflage

A team of scientists has successfully developed a new method for producing large amounts of xanthommatin pigment in the lab, using a nature-inspired approach. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of camouflage-inspired materials and cosmetics, as well as alternative materials for industries moving away from fossil fuels.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2025

Muscle tissue from a 3D printer – produced in zero gravity

Researchers at ETH Zurich have successfully produced muscle tissue using a new biofabrication system called G-FLight in microgravity. The process enables rapid production of viable muscle constructs with similar cell viability and muscle fibers as those printed under gravity.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2025

Synthetic biology to supercharge photosynthesis in crops

Australian researchers have developed tiny compartments to help supercharge photosynthesis, enabling plants to fix carbon more efficiently. The team engineered encapsulins that can house the enzyme Rubisco in a confined space, allowing for fine-tuning of compatibility for future use in crops.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2025

Tiny 3D printer reconstructs tissues during vocal cord surgery

A team of biomechanical engineers and surgeons has developed a 3D-printing soft robot that can accurately deliver hydrogels to the vocal cord surgical site. The device, which is only 2.7 mm in size, can reconstruct tissues removed during surgery and potentially prevent fibrosis and stiffening of the vocal cords.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevice·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 2025

Biosensor identifies protein linked to depression and schizophrenia in saliva

Researchers at the University of São Paulo developed a low-cost, portable biosensor that can quickly identify altered levels of BDNF associated with psychiatric disorders. The device detects extremely low concentrations of BDNF in human saliva, which is crucial for growth and maintenance of neurons and development of brain functions.

Making yeast more efficient 'cell factories' for producing valuable plant compounds

Researchers at UC San Diego have discovered a new way to make yeast cells more efficient 'cell factories' for producing valuable plant compounds. The advance enables the sustainable manufacturing of plant-derived chemicals used to help plants defend against disease, repel pests, attract pollinators, and withstand environmental stresses.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 24, 2025

New biochar-powered microbial systems offer sustainable solution for toxic pollutants

Researchers have developed biochar-supported microbial systems to tackle persistent organic pollutants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and pesticides. These integrated strategies have achieved impressive results, breaking down pollutants in industrial wastewater, agricultural soils, and domestic environments.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 24, 2025

New gene-editing tech holds promise for treating complex genetic diseases

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a novel gene-editing method that can correct multiple disease-causing mutations simultaneously. This approach uses bacterial retrons to protect the microbes from viral infection and has shown promising results in correcting scoliosis-causing mutations in zebrafish embryos.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 23, 2025

Epigenetic reprogramming safely modifies multiple genes in T Cells simultaneously for CAR-T therapies

Researchers create enhanced T cells with improved survival in cancer models by simultaneously modifying multiple genes using CRISPRoff and CRISPRon. The approach overcomes toxicity issues associated with traditional gene editing methods, enabling high cell survival rates and potential for treating various diseases.

SourceArc Institute·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2025

MIT researchers develop a new system can dial expression of synthetic genes up or down

Researchers at MIT have developed a new system that allows for precise control over the expression of synthetic genes in cells. The DIAL system uses a promoter editing mechanism to establish desired protein levels, which can be edited after delivery. This technology has the potential to improve gene therapy and cell reprogramming appli...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateOct 14, 2025