Fish-like genetic program used to turn human retinal cells into neurons
From International Society for Stem Cell Research 10/12/23 Loss of neurons in in the retina due to trauma or disease leads to vision impairment or blindness, a process which is irreversible in humans. Interestingly, some animals like fish have the built-in ability to regenerate retinal neurons by turning another retinal cell type called “Muller glia” […]
Innovators grow pig embryo with humanised kidneys inside surrogate sow
From Cell Press 11/09/23 Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health researchers have successfully created chimeric embryos containing a combination of human and pig cells. When transferred into surrogate pig mothers, the developing humanized kidneys had normal structure and tubule formation after 28 days. This is the first time that scientists have been able to grow […]
Seaweed and friendly bacteria: Living 3D printed material cleans polluted water
From University of California – San Diego 06/09/23 Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a new type of material that could offer a sustainable and eco-friendly solution to clean pollutants from water. Dubbed an “engineered living material,” it is a 3D-printed structure made of a seaweed-based polymer combined with bacteria that […]
Longevity gene from naked mole rats extends lifespan of mice – humans are next
From University of Rochester 24/08/23 In a groundbreaking endeavor, researchers at the University of Rochester have successfully transferred a longevity gene from naked mole rats to mice, resulting in improved health and an extension of the mouse’s lifespan. Naked mole rats, known for their long lifespans and exceptional resistance to age-related diseases, have long captured […]
Implanted cells release insulin when they hear music: No-needle diabetes treatment
From ETH Zurich 23/08/23 Diabetes is a condition in which the body produces too little or no insulin. Diabetics thus depend on an external supply of this hormone via injection or pump. Researchers led by Martin Fussenegger from the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering at ETH Zurich in Basel want to make the lives […]