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Nano-optic endoscope sees deep into tissue at high resolution

Researchers have developed a new class of endoscopic imaging catheters that overcome the limitations of current systems, achieving higher resolution and functionality. The nano-optic endoscope incorporates metalenses into its design, enabling high-resolution imaging at extended depth of focus without complex optical components.

Living human tracheas

Case Western Reserve University scientists have engineered natural windpipe replacement structures using patient cells and self-assembling modules. This approach overcomes challenges in current tissue-engineering methods, enabling the creation of functional living tracheas that can be implanted into patients with damaged airways.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateFeb 14, 2018

Rutgers engineers 3-D print shape-shifting smart gel

Researchers at Rutgers University have created a 4D-printed shape-shifting smart gel that can morph over time and temperatures change. The gel can provide structural rigidity in organs like the lungs and create new applications in soft robotics, biomedical devices, and scaffolds for cell growth.

SourceRutgers University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 31, 2018

Researchers show high-performance breathing in bones

A team of researchers from the University of Bonn has discovered a unique type of bony tissue called pneumosteum, which is found in birds and some dinosaurs. This discovery provides new insights into the evolution of their respiratory systems and opens up possibilities for studying extinct species.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalBiology Letters·DateJan 3, 2018

Crowding in the skin

Researchers found that local stress induced by crowding leads to differentiation, triggering the movement of stem cells upwards in the tissue. This mechanism helps maintain balanced numbers of stem and differentiated cells, ensuring proper skin function.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateDec 13, 2017

Scientists develop new artificial ovary prototype

Belgian researchers have created a new artificial ovary prototype that resembles human ovarian tissue in terms of architecture and rigidity. The fibrin-based design could be used for ovary transplant, providing alternatives for women with infertility or cancer patients unable to conceive after treatment.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics·DateDec 13, 2017

Scientists find key to regenerating blood vessels

A new study by Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute identifies a crucial signaling pathway for angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones. The findings may improve current strategies to increase blood flow in ischemic tissues associated with atherosclerosis and diabetes.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 23, 2017

Non-invasive imaging predicts cancer malignancy

Researchers at Osaka University developed a non-invasive imaging technique using multiphoton microscopy (MPM) to quantify cancer severity. The method, called non-labeling multiphoton microscopy (NL-MPM), uses second harmonic generation and autofluorescence to detect malignancy with high accuracy.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 2, 2017

New virtual model reveals details of declining lung function in mice

A new virtual model of mouse lung function has been developed to better understand the relative importance of different factors contributing to lung changes in chronic inflammation. The study found that changes in lung recruitment and elastic fiber density were mainly responsible for declining lung function.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateAug 24, 2017

'Origami organs' can potentially regenerate tissues

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a range of bioactive tissue papers made from materials derived from organs, which can potentially be used to support natural hormone production in young cancer patients and aid wound healing. The new biomaterials are thin, flexible, and pliable enough to fold into origami structures.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 7, 2017

Shedding light deeper into the human brain

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a new method for propagating light through human tissue, enabling deeper brain imaging and potential applications in medical imaging and driving safety. The technique involves making tiny holes to pass light through, increasing optical transmission by a factor of 100.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2017

Diffusion dynamics play an essential role in regulating stem cells and tissue development

New research highlights the importance of diffusion gradients in regulating stem cells and tissue development. The study explores how gas and nutrient concentrations influence stem cell potency, differentiation, and metabolism. It also introduces novel models for understanding diffusion processes in three-dimensional tissue constructs.

SourceInstitute of Neural Regeneration & Tissue Engineering·JournalStem Cells and Development·DateJul 26, 2017

See-through heart tissue reveals hidden complexity

Researchers from Imperial College London have used a new technique called 'optical clearing' to image adult heart tissue in 3D, revealing intricate networks of tiny blood vessels and collagen scaffold. This breakthrough could help doctors monitor the spread of stiff scar tissue and track patient responses to treatments.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 12, 2017

Handheld scanner reveals vascularization in psoriasis patients

A new handheld scanner allows for non-invasive imaging of skin layers and blood vessels in psoriasis patients, enabling the assessment of disease severity and potential treatment options. The technology has the potential to improve diagnosis and therapy of other diseases such as skin cancer and diabetes.

Success in the 3-D bioprinting of cartilage

A team of researchers at the University of Gothenburg has developed a method to generate cartilage tissue by printing stem cells using a 3D-bioprinter. The resulting cartilage is extremely similar to human cartilage, with properties and structures identical to those found in natural cartilage.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 28, 2017

Bare bones: Making bones transparent

A new method called Bone CLARITY enables the observation of stem cells within intact bones, facilitating research into osteoporosis and bone interactions with other organs. Researchers used this technique to test a new drug developed for treating osteoporosis, revealing increased stem cell proliferation in response to the treatment.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 26, 2017