Synthetic embryos are lab-grown from stem cells. By reprogramming stem cells, they can organize themselves into an embryo-like model that share a similar shape and function with real embryos. Because of the lack of sperm and egg cells, a synthetic embryo can never become a full-fledged living being, but these embryos work as a model of real embryos. These embryos have been used to study the “black box” period of embryo development, otherwise known as the two week period follo

Introduction Construction materials have remained largely static for centuries, but a new class of materials is beginning to change that. Living building materials, or LBMs, combine biology and engineering to create structures that can grow, heal, and adapt. Unlike traditional smart materials that rely on external power, living materials integrate microorganisms directly into the material system. Recent research by Jishen Qiu and colleagues highlights how careful design choic

Neurotransmitters are a huge aspect of brain function, as they play roles such as communication and synaptic plasticity. When issues arise with neurotransmitters, it can lead to neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and epilepsy. Currently, there has been progress made with the detection of neurotransmitters, once such advancement being SSNs, Solid-State nanopores, that have qualities that lead them to be capable molecular sensors for neurotransmitters.  Neurotra

Cannabis, commonly known as marijuana, is a psychoactive drug containing compounds like THC and CBD, and is used for recreational purposes, medicine and industrial purposes like hemp. Cannabis as a plant produces multiple secondary metabolites. Cannabinoids like THC, CBD, and CBC interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which influences mood, pain, appetite and memory as well as a slew of other effects. Terpenes are aromatic compounds found abundantly in cannabis. The

The gut-brain axis is the concept of a communication network, connecting the gut and the brain. Through direct signaling and molecules residing in the gut, the brain and gut affect the function of the other. For example, when people feel nervous, these feelings of anxiety from the brain are usually accompanied by nausea in the gut. Serotonin is made in the gut and communicates through nerves, resulting in feelings of happiness and peace. These are due to the gut-brain axis. O

What are Living Carbon Sinks? Living carbon sinks are natural systems that absorb more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than they release. They help regulate Earth’s climate by removing excess carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas, and storing it in living tissue or soil. These systems work through everyday biological processes like photosynthesis, growth, and decomposition. Plants take in carbon dioxide and convert it into sugars for energy and growth, storing carbon in t

Currently, companies like Deeplife have made platforms where you can create digital twins of human cells. This technology platform is made to reshape drug discovery and evaluate responses to new drug candidates. It helps scientists to quickly evaluate how unhealthy cells react to different candidates through computer modeling. Due to the intricate and complex design of the cell’s interior, coupled with the small changes and millions of interactions that are occurring in the c

Hermetia Illucens, known commonly as the Black Soldier Fly, besides the Arctics, it is found throughout the world, but is native to South America. Adult black soldier flies have a mostly black body with metallic reflections. Its appearance is similar to the organ pipe mud wasp, which acts as a defense mechanism. The larvae of black soldier flies are essential decomposers, as they help break down organic substances and return nutrients into the soil. These larvae are used as a

Fertility research has to do with the study of biological reproduction and genetics. Many causes can lead to infertility, including genetics, aging, and diet, among others. In some rare cases, infertility can be permanent; for couples who want to build a family together, infertility is a major roadblock. To combat this, scientists have started experimentation on synthetically created gametes, which are usually formed in a lab with stem cells. This allows not just infertile co

What are PROTACs? Also known as protein degraders, PROTACs aim to eliminate a target protein using a cell’s own waste disposal mechanisms. This is different from molecules that inhibit or block the protein. Instead, they remove the protein from the cell by tagging it for destruction. In order to do this, an E3 ligase must bind to the target protein. E3 ligases are proteins involved in the waste disposal system of the cell. This will create a three-part complex that causes the

ADAR is a family of naturally occurring enzymes which contains ADAR1, ADAR2, and ADAR3. The job of ADAR enzymes is to moderate the editing of adenosine to inosine in RNA. ADAR1 is expressed everywhere, however, ADAR2 and ADAR3 are most commonly expressed in the brain. The parts that compose these enzymes are a double stranded RNA, a binding domain of roughly 65 amino acids, and a deaminase domain.  The job of ADAR is to convert adenosine into inosine in double-stranded RNAs.

A bioink is a material that is made to produce artificial live tissues through 3D-printing. Bioinks can be made from many different types of materials as bases along with living cells. There are bioinks made from collagen, hyaluronic acid and more. Additionally, they might be used with other materials to envelope the cells in the bioink. Bioinks allow for a very high reproducibility in a controlled environment like a lab where they are typically used making them one of the mo

At a time when acceleration in climate change coincides with increasing densification in urban areas, biotechnology has emerged as a strong tool that enables cities to reimagine carbon emission management. Perhaps one of the most innovative concepts in the field is that of the biosynthetic tree, a system engineered through synthetic biology and bio-based materials, either mimicking, enhancing, or surpassing the carbon-absorbing functions of natural vegetation. Biosynthetic tr

A Surprising Discovery Recent research from the University of Florida and MD Anderson Cancer Center finds that the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines may help cancer patients live longer when taken close to the start of immunotherapy. Over 1,000 patients with advanced lung cancer and melanoma were part of these studies. It was observed that receiving an mRNA COVID vaccine within 100 days of beginning immunotherapy resulted in far better survival. What the Studies Found In advanced lung c

Chemistry is commonly defined as the scientific study of matter, specifically its properties, behavior, and how it changes when it undergoes reactions. Click chemistry is a term introduced in the early 21st century by Barry Sharpless and his colleagues to describe the usage of synthetic reactions as an approach to chemical synthesis. Through fast and efficient reactions, desired products can be created easily without producing a large number of hazardous byproducts, if any. T

What are Cutinases? Cutinases, also known as cutin hydrolases, are enzymes first discovered in phytopathogenic fungi that grow on cutin as their sole carbon source. Cutin itself is a complex biopolymer made of hydroxy and epoxy fatty acids, forming the main component of the waxy cuticle that covers plant leaves, stems, and fruits. This protective layer prevents water loss and defends plants against pathogens, However, certain fungi have evolved cutinases to break it down. Bel

Chaperone proteins play a role in the unfolding and folding of proteins, their assembly and disassembly, and help to translocate organelles. They are part of a family called heat shock proteins that play important roles in the functioning of proteins. The name ‘heat shock proteins’ was given after they were found in bacteria, making more proteins when they were put under a stressful environment, (e.g. high/low temperatures or pH) hence the name ‘heat shock proteins.’  Some ex

Late embryogenesis abundant proteins, or LEA proteins, are a group of diverse proteins commonly found in plants, bacteria, and some invertebrates. They are found during the later stages of development in seeds or embryos, hence the E in their name. They can also be found as a response to stress in other tissues. LEA Proteins are Intrinsically Disordered Proteins (IDPs); these types of proteins do not have a stable 3D structure and can change shape, aiding them in their primar

T cells are a type of white blood cell that play an essential role in protecting the body. They recognize infected or abnormal cells, like those caused by viruses or cancer, and take action to eliminate them. In a normal scenario, T cells are quite active in fighting infections. But when the immune system is battling an infection or threat for a long time—such as with a chronic infection or a tumor—T cells begin to lose their strength and effectiveness. This weakened state is

What are they? Nanozymes are nanomaterials that copy the job of enzymes. They turn one chemical into another, often following the same basic enzyme rules. Nanozymes are cheaper, stronger, and easier to store than natural enzymes.  Why do they matter? Natural enzymes can be fragile, expensive, and very sensitive to pH and temperature while nanozymes are stable and flexible. Scientists are able to change their size, shape, or surface, to control how well they work. What are the