-
+27 +1
Evidence of Polyethylene Biodegradation by Bacterial Strains from the Guts of Plastic-Eating Waxworms
Polyethylene (PE) has been considered nonbiodegradable for decades. Although the biodegradation of PE by bacterial cultures has been occasionally described, valid evidence of PE biodegradation has remained limited in the literature. We found that waxworms, or Indian mealmoths (the larvae of Plodia interpunctella), were capable of chewing and eating PE films... (2014)
-
+32 +2
Why Hacking DNA Is the Secret of Deep-Space Travel
Scientists worldwide are rapidly increasing their ability to genetically re-engineer plants, animals, and microbes. Amor Menezes, an aerospace engineer and synthetic biology researcher at the University of California, Berkeley, argues that augmented organisms could transform long-term human space missions. Menezes and his research team just published an outline in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface on the six most promising applications for such engineered organisms. Here's how...
-
+17 +2
Noted futurist predicts disease-fighting computers as small as blood cells in 25 years
A famed futurist who foresees a day when and human and artificial intelligence merge and nanobots battle disease spoke to CBC's Duncan McCue about what lies ahead.
-
+38 +1
This scientist found a way to make battery parts with bread mold
Fungi can do all kinds of weird tricks — even make battery parts.
-
+2 +1
Stem Cell Technique Could Regenerate Any Human Tissue Damaged By Aging or Disease
A team led by the University of New South Wales says that a stem cell therapy capable of regenerating any human tissue could be available within a few years.
-
+27 +1
Synthetic Stingray May Lead To A Better Artificial Heart
Using gold, silicone and heart cells from a rat, scientists have made a tiny artificial stingray. The engineering involved in propelling it could help make a heart that's more than a mechanical pump.
-
+17 +1
Jet fuel may be grown on iconic Aussie gum trees
Scientists are a step closer to using Australia's iconic gum trees to develop low-carbon renewable jet and missile fuel. (Sept. 19, 2016)
-
+13 +1
New formulation of ibuprofen may be superior for pain relief than the current version
Move over aspirin, a new formulation of ibuprofen might prove to be a "wonder drug." In a research report published online in The FASEB Journal, scientists used mice and rats to show that ibuprofen arginate may allow people to take higher doses without the cardiovascular side effects that are associated with current formulations found in over the counter products. In addition to being better tolerated, ibuprofen arginate also is released into the bloodstream more rapidly than the current formulations, likely providing faster pain relief.
-
+6 +1
Synthetic biology startup Lygos raises $13 million from OS Fund and IA Ventures to make cleaner chemicals
Lygos uses microbugs to convert low-cost sugar into specialty chemicals used in manufacturing, and is now releasing a technique to make malic acid, an ingredient needed in the mass production of electronics. To do so, the company announced today it has raised $13 million in Series A funding led by OS Fund and IA Ventures, with participation from First Round Capital, Y Combinator’s Continuity Fund, Fifty Years, Vast Ventures and various angel investors.
-
+5 +1
Fertility company Ovascience is struggling to survive
A pioneering biotech scales back plans to rejuvenate women’s eggs for IVF. By Karen Weintraub. (Dec. 29, 2016)
-
+12 +1
The First Human-Pig Hybrid Embryo Has Been Created in the Lab
For the first time, researchers have successfully grown human cells inside early-stage pig embryos in the lab, creating pig-human hybrids, which the researchers describe as interspecies chimeras.
-
+27 +1
Deadly spider’s spinning technique could inspire tougher materials
One of the most feared and venomous arachnids in the world, the American brown recluse spider has long been known for its signature necro-toxic venom, as well as its unusual silk. Now, a new Oxford University, collaborative study offers an explanation for how the spider is able to make its silk so strong.
-
+25 +1
Scientists Have Found a Way to Rapidly Thaw Cryopreserved Tissue Without Damage
Researchers have developed a technique that allows them to rapidly thaw cryopreserved human and pig samples without damaging the tissue - a development that could help get rid of organ transplant waiting lists.
-
+19 +1
Brain Hardwired to Respond to Others’ Itching: Mouse Study
According to researchers, socially contagious itching may be hard wired in the brain.
-
+25 +1
3-D Organ Printing Breakthrough Could Help Save 175,000 Lives a Year Worldwide
The promise of 3-D printing organs has been around almost for as long as we’ve had 3-D printers. Now, scientists with the University of California – San Diego have made a significant breakthrough to help make it happen. Part of the problem with building a 3-D organ is mimicking the complex blood vessel structure both within the organ, and surrounding it which connects it with the rest of the body’s cardiovascular system. Earlier this year, the Chen Lab for BioNanomaterials succeeded in putting together a vascular system integrated within specimen tissue.
-
+24 +1
A $12 billion startup you've probably never heard wants to cure baldness and smooth out your wrinkles
Samumed is a $12 billion private biotech startup you've probably never heard of. The San Diego-based company has attracted $300 million in funding and a heady valuation thanks to a pipeline of what could be revolutionary treatments to regenerate hair, skin, bones, and joints. It offers the promise of reversing conditions related to aging by regrowing hair on balding heads, smoothing out wrinkles, and regenerating cartilage to worn-down joints in people with osteoarthritis.
-
+33 +1
We’re Getting Closer to Mass Production of Bones, Organs, and Implants
The hip bone’s connected to the thigh bone, and they’ll both be made by 3D printers.
-
+28 +1
World-First Trials Have Been Launched to Treat Parkinson's And Blindness With Embryonic Stem Cells
In a world first, surgeons in the Chinese city of Zhengzhou are planning to inject stem cells derived from human embryos into the brains of patients with Parkinson's disease with the aim of treating their debilitating symptoms.
-
+19 +1
Sunscreen made from DNA would last forever
A DNA-based sunscreen that not only stops harmful ultraviolet (UV) light, but also becomes more protective the longer you expose it to UV rays? That’s the dazzling premise behind a recent study published in the journal Science Reports. While sunscreen isn’t the only form of sun protection (there’s always protective clothing and floppy hats), the reality is that most of us just skip it.
-
+18 +1
Scientists Have Developed a New Method to 3D-Print Living Tissue
The technique could eliminate one of the biggest problems in bioprinting.
Submit a link
Start a discussion