Striking images and innovative science — from a hydrogel chessboard to floating steel and a thyroid-on-a-chip.
Scientists create cyborg bacteria
Incorporating polymer skeletons inside bacteria stops them from replicating and results in cyborg cells that are half living, half artificial.
What shapes the lung microbiome?
It is generally accepted that a community of beneficial bacteria make up the lung microbiome, but their origin and formation have remained unclear — until now.
A multi-organ “gym-on-a-chip” finds exercise directly triggers insulin
The device provides a powerful tool for studying and treating diabetes, allowing personalized modelling by using patients’ own cells.
Molecular dye plays “tag” with chemotherapy drugs
A new hydrogel platform helps monitor chemotherapies in the body in real-time, allowing their side effects and potency to be better understood.
Regenerating nerves with an mRNA therapy
Stimulating neuron growth using a new mRNA therapy, researchers hope to treat chronic pain caused by disease, injury, or chemotherapy.
Mimicking viral factories for better drug delivery
New research inspired by “viral factories” shows the potential of encapsulating target molecules in membrane-free compartments.
Developing an artificial enzyme to produce Parkinson’s medication
Artificial enzymes could help bring down the manufacturing costs of different medications, making them more available to patients.
Science in pictures
Check out atomic glimpses of graphene ribbons, double bubble microspheres, and a solar evaporator made from bone.
Alison McGuigan: Unravelling the intricacies of cellular organization
Using unique artificial microenvironments, chemical engineer Alison McGuigan is getting to the bottom of cell behavior.