Mirror Life is the term used to represent a form of synthetic biology where organisms are mirror images of the organisms on Earth. This is done through left-handed and right-handed building blocks. For example, DNA is constructed through “right-handed” building blocks and its mirror form would be constructed from“left-handed” building blocks. However, many researchers and groups believe that the risks must be carefully considered before Mirror Life can become a possible appli

When a cell divides, one of the characteristics passed on from mother to daughter cell are “memories.”Unlike memories that rely on neuron networks in the brain, these memories are located in each cell.. They are encoded through past experiences of the mother cell which are then passed on to the daughter cell just through one cell and its processes. Usually, cellular memory is encoded through epigenetics. Epigenetics is the way DNA can modify itself without directly affecting

Electroceuticals, otherwise known as bioelectronic medicine, are primarily used to treat diseases by targeting the nervous system and modifying signals. This is a relatively new way of disease treatment in the healthcare industry that provides an alternative to using drugs. Electroceuticals take the form of a medical device that can be implanted or worn. They stimulate parts of the nervous system to cause or block electric signals. The change in signaling regulates and alters

It may come as a surprise to many that the reasons bones strengthen after exercise and some tumors experience abnormal growth are studied within the same scientific field. Mechanobiology, while usually outside the standard syllabus of most schools, is quite a valuable subject to understand, both for healthcare professionals and for people who strive to live better lives. Mechanobiology is the study of how physical forces affect biological functions. At face value, this senten

Introduction We usually imagine color being brought about via pigments or dyes. However, some of the most vibrant colors in nature are created without the use of pigments at all. Structural coloration occurs when microscopic or nanoscopic structures interact with light to produce color through interference and scattering. How Structural Color Works Structural color is produced when light interacts with tiny structures that are similar in size to the wavelengths of visible lig

CAR-T therapy stands for chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy. The main goal of CAR-T therapy is to provide cancer patients with a personalized form of immunotherapy where the white blood cells of the patient are altered so it can recognize and destroy the cancer cells. CAR-T therapy is for patients with blood cancers; it is usually suggested when the cancer is not reacting to other treatments, or when there is a relapse within 12 months. Immune cells are able to find

Proteins are an essential part of any organism. They allow each cell to do what they are meant to do, they build and repair tissues (muscles, skin, bones, hair), transport oxygen in the blood, regulate hormones, support immunity, and drive chemical reactions in the form of enzymes. Proteins are formed in cells when RNA is translated into amino acids, which fold into shapes that give a protein its function. These proteins are made naturally within cells using the DNA and RNA f

The glymphatic system is an organ system in the central nervous system (CNS) designed to remove waste. Most of the body uses the lymphatic system to clear out waste, but the brain, which lacks important components of the lymphatic system, utilizes the glymphatic system instead. The glymphatic system consists of astrocytes, which are star-shaped cells that act as channels for fluids to flow through. First, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) enters the brain. It then mixes with intersti

What has actually flown over the heads of the majority, is the fact that since 2002, brilliant scientists and genetic engineers alike have utilized their knowledge on viruses and DNA to engineer viruses to work for the betterment of mankind. How are they able to accomplish this? This question can be answered by delving deeper into the field of Synthetic Virology. Now the basic definition of a virus is a non-living, microscopic agent that acts like a parasite and requir

Predictive genomics is an important part of modern biotechnology that can lead to major clinical breakthroughs. It is a branch of modern medicine that uses a person’s genetic information to estimate the risk of developing certain diseases. The process involves sequencing the whole genome to identify genetic patterns linked to disease and guide personalized treatments. This approach builds on the concept of "chemical individuality,” which suggests that every person has a uniqu

Polyethylene terephthalate is one of the most used types of plastics. Specifically, it's used for packaging purposes. Its properties, coupled with its immense use throughout the world, have been collected throughout habitats and ecosystems, leading to it posing a significant danger to the world and global health. Currently, around 29.1% of PET bottles and jars are recycled, a statistic that is extremely low. Additionally, current thermomechanical and chemical solutions do not

The glymphatic system clears out waste and byproducts in the brain and distributes nutrients along the cerebrospinal fluid that runs through the spine. It is very similar to the lymphatic system, however, it is specific to the brain. Scientists discovered this system in 2012, when researchers found that cerebrospinal fluid circulates through channels around blood vessels. This same system helped clear toxic waste from brain tissues. Cerebrospinal fluid enters the brain, mixe

Recently, researchers from Aarhus University and the California Institute of Technology developed a method to organize molecules on the nanoscale, known as RNA origami. RNA origami are synthesized by enzymes and fold into particular shapes, much like paper origami. The structures created through RNA origami can be grown inside living cells, which can then organize cellular enzymes. These structures can even function as enzymes themselves. RNA origami differs from DNA origami

What is the hemifusome? Last summer, researchers at the University of Virginia School of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health announced the discovery of a new organelle inside human cells called the hemifusome. This finding is especially significant because the basic model of the human cell has remained unchanged for decades. Discovering a new organelle indicates that there are still gaps in our understanding of how cells function. The hemifusome plays an important

Neural Lace is an extremely thin interface with a web-like experience. The lace is injected into the brain where it integrates with the surrounding tissue and neural network. The aim of Neural Lace is to create a means of communication between the brain and the computer in the least invasive avenue possible. Neural Lace is a promising solution; its nanofabrication is optimized to be extremely thin, leading it to be minimally invasive and nondisruptive. Possible applications

Trans-splicing is the biological process where pieces of premature mRNA from multiple different molecules are joined together to form a functional mRNA. Normally cells use cis-splicing, which is when one pre mRNA transcript produces one strand of mRNA. Trans-splicing involves multiple exons from different mRNA transcripts joining together to form one large chimeric strand of mRNA. This is also possible at the protein level in polypeptides with inteins and exteins. It has been

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