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Rice University lab encodes collagen

Rice scientists created a computer program that predicts the most stable structures of nanometer-sized collagen, a crucial step toward synthesizing custom collagen. This breakthrough has significant implications for treating diseases and designing drugs, as collagen plays a vital role in holding cells together.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 25, 2012

Merging the biological and the electronic

Harvard scientists developed a method to grow 'cyborg' tissues by embedding nanoscale wires into engineered human tissues. They successfully seeded the networks with cells and encouraged them to grow in 3D cultures, enabling real-time monitoring and control of living systems.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 26, 2012

Penn researchers improve living tissues with 3-D printed vascular networks made from sugar

Researchers at Penn University have developed a method to rapidly create vasculature using 3D printed templates of filament networks, improving the function of engineered living tissues. They used a material composed of sugar and other compounds to create stable vascular systems that can be easily dissolved and replaced with cells.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 1, 2012

Study confirms anatomic existence of the elusive G-spot

A recent study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine has confirmed the anatomic existence of the G-spot, a previously elusive structure. The G-spot was found to be a well-delineated sac structure located on the dorsal perineal membrane, measuring 8.1mm x 3.6mm x 0.4mm in dimensions.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateApr 25, 2012

NPL models the extracellular matrix

Scientists at NPL developed a functional model of the native extracellular matrix, providing structural support for cells to aid growth and proliferation. The model could lead to advances in regenerative medicine by mimicking the complex nano-to-microscale structure of the ECM.

SourceNational Physical Laboratory·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateDec 20, 2011

Researchers' new recipe cooks up better tissue 'phantoms'

Scientists have created a novel combination of additives that enable gelatin to mimic the acoustical and optical properties of soft tissue in humans. The resulting tissue 'phantoms' can be used to test photoacoustic and ultrasonic imaging technologies, which are increasingly being used in clinical applications.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateNov 30, 2011

Manufacturing goes viral

Scientists at the University of California at Berkeley developed a technique to direct benign viruses to self-assemble into thin-film structures with complex properties. By controlling the physical environment, they created films with specific bending properties and guided cell growth, shedding light on biological tissue assembly in na...

Manufacturing goes viral

Engineers and scientists at UC Berkeley developed a simple, single-step process to direct M13 phages to serve as structural building blocks. The resulting thin-film structures exhibit complex properties, such as bending light and guiding cell growth. The technique sheds light on the self-assembly of biological tissues in nature.

Lasers light the path to neuron regeneration

A multidisciplinary approach using laser technology has been successfully employed to fabricate tiny scaffolds for cell delivery and growth in damaged neural tissue. This study demonstrates the potential of direct laser writing in tissue engineering, enabling precise control over scaffold design and structure.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBiofabrication·DateSep 19, 2011

The self-made eye: Formation of optic cup from ES cells

ES cells can differentiate into retinal precursors and form an optic cup-like structure in vitro without external signaling sources. The tissue undergoes a four-step morphological rearrangement to assume the optic cup shape, driven by cell division and epithelial expansion.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature·DateApr 6, 2011

Getting organized: Berkeley Lab study shows how breast cell communities organize into breast tissue

Researchers discovered that human mammary epithelial cells possess lineage-specific intrinsic abilities to self-organize into domains of lineage specificity, maintaining healthy bi-layered branching organization. The study provides insights into the coordination of stem cell differentiation and tissue architecture maintenance.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2011

Solving the riddle of nature's perfect spring

Researchers have discovered the structure of tropoelastin, a key component of elastin that provides elasticity to human tissues. The molecule has near-perfect elasticity, allowing it to stretch up to eight times its original length and return to its shape with no loss of energy.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2011

Vitamin D deficiency alters lung growth and decreases lung function

Researchers found that vitamin D-deficient mice had reduced lung volume, lower airway resistance, and smaller lungs compared to control mice. The study suggests a potential link between vitamin D deficiency and obstructive lung disease, highlighting the need for future studies on prevention and treatment strategies.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 28, 2011

Seeing melanoma

A new imaging technique, combining photoacoustic tomography and a smart contrast agent, produces three-dimensional images of melanoma with high accuracy. This enables surgeons to remove only the malignant tissue while maintaining clean margins.