Category Biology/Biotechnology

An extract of willow bark has shown to be one of the most potent longevity-extending pharmacological interventions yet described in scientific literature.

A new Concordia-Idunn Technologies research collaboration provides insights into how 6 groups of molecules can slow biological aging. For the study, the research team combed through Idunn Technologies’ extensive biological library, conducting more than 10,000 trials to screen for plant extracts that would increase the chronological lifespan of yeast.

Why yeast? Cellularly speaking, aging progresses similarly in both yeast and humans. It’s the best cellular model to understand how the anti-aging process takes place...

This is a close up of microneedles with beta cells. Credit: Zhen Gu Lab, NC State / UNC

This new ‘smart cell patch’ is a proof of principle to treat millions of people with type-1 and advanced type-2 diabetes. For decades, researchers have tried to duplicate the function of beta cells, the tiny insulin-producing entities that don’t work properly in patients with diabetes. Insulin injections provide painful and often imperfect substitutes. Transplants of normal beta cells carry the risk of rejection or side effects from immunosuppressive therapies.

Now, researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University have devised another option: a synthetic patch filled with natural beta cells that can secrete doses of insulin to control blood sugar levels ...

Magnum using his prosthesis. Credit: Image courtesy of Investigación y Desarrollo

Thanks to the electrodes system a stable signal is obtained, which allows precise control like handling an egg without breaking. It allows the person to experience sensations, free mobility and is handled using the mind. It was created by the Mexican Max Ortiz Catalan, who lives in Sweden, the device becomes an extension of the human body through osseointegration, this means that it connects directly to the bone via a titanium implant, and thanks to the neuronal and muscle binding interfaces a robust and intuitive control of the artificial hand is achieved, this way just by thinking about it is possible to move the limb.

Magnus, a patient with an arm amputated above the elbow, is the first person to use tech...

The PolyU research team led by Dr Jianhua Hao, Associate Professor of Department of Applied Physics (right) and Dr Mo Yang, Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Division of Biomedical Engineering (left) have developed a novel nano biosensor for rapid detection of flu and other viruses. Credit: Image courtesy of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

PolyU’s invention utilizes an optical method called upconversion luminescence resonance energy transfer (LRET) process for ultrasensitive virus detection. It involves simple operational procedures, significantly reducing its testing duration from around 1-3 days to 2-3 hours, making it more than 10X quicker than traditional clinical methods. Its cost is around HK$20 per sample, which is 80% lower than traditional testing methods...