Stem cell enzyme may provide a kind of molecular radar for early detection of malignancies and represent a new therapeutic target for preventing cancer cell resistance
Enzyme might provide “molecular radar” for early detection of cancers
Biotechnology
Chameleon-inspired polymers behave like skin
New biocompatible material that stiffens when it is stretched and changes colour in the process might be used to make better medical implants
Spider silk, bone and wood inspire 3D printed polymers
New liquid-crystal structures boast mechanical properties that rival the best lightweight composite materials around today
Calcium ions help improve implant adherence
New experiments and calculations show how the ions improve titanium-bone bonding
Do-it-yourself DNA design
Researchers develop a new algorithm that allows users to create nanoscale 2D DNA structures from a simple drawing
Stem cell signal drives new bone building
If harnessed in people, it could speed recovery for bone breaks, spinal fusions, osteoporosis
Implantable device shows potential as epilepsy treatment
An implantable device that delivers therapeutic protein into the brain reduces seizures by 93% in epileptic rats
Living glues, inspired by marine animals
Researchers develop the world’s first “living biofilm” adhesive with tuneable behaviour
Optogenetics implant is good news for incontinent rats
LED-based system could also treat conditions of the digestive tract