Category Health/Medical

A new 3D printing pen to ‘draw’ human stem cells in freeform patterns. Using a hydrogel bio-ink to carry and support living human stem cells, and a low powered light source to solidify the ink, the pen delivers a cell survival rate in excess of 97%. Credit: Image courtesy of ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science

In a landmark proof-of-concept experiment, Australian researchers have used a handheld 3D printing pen to ‘draw’ human stem cells in freeform patterns with extremely high survival rates. The device, developed out of collaboration between ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science (ACES) researchers and orthopaedic surgeons at St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne, is designed to allow surgeons to sculpt customised cartilage implants during surgery.

Using a hyd...

“These are individuals in their 80s and 90s who actively compete in world masters track and field championships. We have seven world champions. These individuals are the crème de la crème of aging.”

A Uni of Guelph professor has uncovered the “secret” to staying strong as we age – superb fitness. Geoff Power found elderly people who were elite athletes in their youth or later in life – and who still compete as masters athletes – have much healthier muscles at the cellular level compared to those of non-athletes.

The study compared world-class track and field athletes in their 80s with people of the same age who are living independently. There have been few such studies of aging and muscle weakening in masters athletes in this age group...

•SQSTM1/p62 is ubiquitylated by TRIM21 at K7 via K63-linkage •p62 K7 ubiquitylation prevents its dimerization and sequestration •TRIM21 negatively regulates Keap1 sequestration and anti-oxidative response •TRIM21 null liver and heart are protected from oxidative tissue damage

Protein (p62), which is supposed to act as an antioxidant to prevent cell damage, was found not work efficiently in laboratory mice with liver and heart disease that mimicked these conditions in humans. This caused oxidative stress and allowed the release of harmful molecules, called free radicals, which resulted in serious illness. One of the body’s first lines of defense, the cells antioxidant response system is supposed to prevent these harmful invaders from causing a domino effect and damaging other cells.