DNA Origami: Tiny Toolkit for Big Innovations

Super interesting research about DNA has lately surfaced. The blue print of life is not only a research material for biology but now, it is also utilized for building tiny robots! Doesn’t it sound futuristic? With a groundbreaking technique called DNA Origami, scientists at The University of Sidney are turning this sci-fi feat into a reality.

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Psychedelics Stimulate Hippocampal Cells to Alleviate Anxiety

When I first read “DMT: The Spirit Molecule” by Dr. Rick Strassman, I thought developing psychedelic inspired drugs without any “hallucinating” side-effects to cure anxiety related problems could be a game changer. Interestingly, I came across research by Cornell University, where researchers did come up with psychedelics to excite cells in hippocampus to reduce anxiety.

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WHaloCaMP Biosensor: Real-Time Insights into Animal Physiology

Researchers at the Janelia group created an innovative way for engineered protein biosensors & bright, fluorescent Janelia Fluor (JF) dyes to work together. Aim of the new biosensor is to measure physiological signals in live animals. The revolutionary sensor, WHaloCaMP, can track multiple physiological signals in live animals, unlike its previous version. And when it comes to illumination, the detector can emit bright far-red light. This light can penetrate deeper into tissues than the other (existing) wavelengths.

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CAMs: Key Players in Modulating Post-Stroke Immune Responses

When a blood clot blocks an artery, it leads to an ischemic stroke. The blockage or ischemic stroke prevents blood and oxygen from reaching areas of the brain. This gives rise to one of the following symptoms: According to the statistics, the older one gets, the higher the risk of experiencing ischemic strokes. Although, neuroscience has helped us understand what happens in the body during a stroke. However, we have no idea how the immune system helps with recovery after a stroke.

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Protein FAM110A’s Role in Cell Division Unveiled: Microtubule-Actin Interaction During Mitosis

An international research collaboration led by Prof. Dr. Robert Grosse, Dr. Libor Macurek, and Dr. Zdenek Lansky has uncovered a new mechanism of crosstalk between microtubules and the actin cytoskeleton during cell division. They revealed unique characteristics of the previously unexplored protein FAM110A, enhancing understanding of critical processes related to developmental disorders and cancer.

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Book Review: The Coming Wave by Mustafa Suleyman

The Coming Wave: Technology, Power, and the 21st Century’s Greatest Dilemma is written by Mustafa Suleyman along with the researcher Michael Bhaskar in 2023.  Before reviewing the book, I’d like to mention Suleyman views that I came across in one of his interviews with The Guardian. The following lines cover almost everything that is mentioned in the book – The Coming Wave.

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Brain-like Artificial System: Dendristor to Mimic Brain’s Dendritic Computations

As artificial intelligence (AI) technology is expanding its tentacles rapidly across globe, engineers around the world are designing new types of computer architectures and hardware. One interesting aspect of most brain-inspired technologies developed so far is that researchers focus on mimicking how neurons fire (i.e., send electrical signals) rather than replicating the entire structure of the brain.

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UmboMic Revolutionizes Cochlear Implants with PVDF Technology

What if a microphone, which is fabricated from a flexible material can be placed inside our ear, to be more specific, directly on the eardrum? This biocompatible sensor will pick up sounds and sends them to a tiny amplifier, which makes the sounds loud enough to be processed by a cochlear implant. Doesn’t it sound like a boon for those who are deaf or hard of hearing?

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Interview: Dr. Laura E. Newman, a Cell Biologist at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, US

Meet Dr. Laura E. Newman, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Cell Biology at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, United States. Her research delves into the intriguing role of mitochondria—these tiny powerhouses that were once ancient bacteria now living inside our cells—as crucial regulators of cellular signaling.

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Interview: Dr. Shoji Takeuchi, a Biohybrid Systems Scientist at The University of Tokyo, Japan

Welcome to our chat with Dr. Shoji Takeuchi, a Biohybrid Systems Scientist rocking it at The University of Tokyo. Dr. Takeuchi’s research covers a bunch of cool stuff like Biohybrid Systems, MEMS, Microfluidics, Tissue Engineering, and Artificial Cell Membrane. Basically, he’s all about blending biology and tech to create awesome bio-hybrid systems.

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Evolution of Life’s Molecular Systems: Insights into the Rise of Nanomachines

Researchers at Université de Montréal (UdeM) have made a significant discovery regarding the evolution of molecular systems crucial to the development of life. Through the linking of molecules, they have uncovered insights into the emergence of intricate self-regulating mechanisms. Alexis Vallée-Bélisle, a professor at UdeM and the lead researcher of the investigation, explained that life’s sustenance on our planet stems from myriad nanostructures. These nanomachines have undergone evolution over countless years.

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Biofilm Microstructure Could Enhance Pathogenic Infection Control: Microbial Ecology

Generally, bacteria are envisioned as tiny, single-cell organisms scattered thinly on surfaces or floating in liquids. However, in various settings, bacteria prefer to grow in clusters known as biofilms. The formation of biofilms provides certain advantages to bacteria. In these clusters, bacteria can collaborate and create a protective environment that enhances their survival and growth. Biofilms, while aiding in kombucha tea production, present a challenge by complicating the control of bacterial growth. When bacteria form a biofilm, it acts like a protective shield, making the cells resistant to antibiotics.

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Mitochondrial Energy Crisis: Unraveling the Alzheimer’s Puzzle

Brain cells crave immense energy to survive and communicate through connections known as synapses. These cells are like energy enthusiasts, which are busy in making way through synapses. But, in the Alzheimer’s scenario, it’s like they’re facing an energy crisis. This messes up their power production. And so, it leads to crumbling down of the synapses and consequently, our fresh memories slowly slip away.

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