Bioengineering

Bioengineering

Researchers have been developing a promising model that can more closely mimic the human body – organ-on-a-chip.
What if you could just grow your own blood?
New stamp-sized ultrasound adhesives produce clear images of heart, lungs, and other internal organs.
When scientists tested this hydrogel on mice, they had cleaner teeth than most humans.
heart muscle
Heart muscle is shaped like a spiral, a mystery that has eluded scientists since 1669. New research has recreated the structure.
transhumanism
Proponents of transhumanism make big promises, such as a future in which we upload our minds into a supercomputer. But there is a fatal flaw in this argument: reductionism.
Cement production currently accounts for 8% of global carbon emissions.
photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is powerful but very inefficient. Humans can improve on this biochemical process to help the planet.
hydrogen fuel
A "bio-battery" made from genetically engineered bacteria could store excess renewable energy and release it as needed.
Standard probiotics cannot compare to the diversity that your microbes have.
hypoallergenic cats
The results of a recent study found that genetically engineering cats could be a solution to eliminating cat allergies.
cellulose nanocrystals
Using cellulose from trees and a synthetic polymer, MIT researchers have created a material that "is stronger and tougher than some types of bone, and harder than typical aluminum alloys."
genesis machine
The book "The Genesis Machine" outlines the promise and peril of synthetic biology, a powerful tool that will allow us to program life like a computer.
biomining
Coupled with 3D printing, biomining the Moon or Mars with microbes could sustain human colonies without constant re-supply from Earth.
The paper-thin device may also someday be used to stimulate bone growth.
resurrecting the sublime
Using DNA from samples of extinct flowers, synthetic biologists managed to approximate long-lost floral scents.
The deep dive into the mirror Universe, and the ethics of how we deal with purity and diversity, is just getting started. Life in the mirror Universe isn’t easy for anyone. […]