Lifeboat Foundation

Credit: Hashem Al-Ghaili

In our weekly news roundup: researching immunity to CRISPR, this year’s flu season, the legal battle over frozen embryos, and more.

Ann Donnelly was utterly confused the first time she examined her protein. On all counts, it behaved like an enzyme—a protein catalyst that speeds up biological reactions in cells. One could argue that enzymes, sculpted by eons of evolution, make life possible.

There was just one problem: her protein wasn’t evolved. It wasn’t even “natural.” It was, in fact, a completely artificial construct made with random sequences of DNA—something that’s never existed in nature before.

Donnelly was looking at the first artificial enzyme. An artificial protein that, by all accounts, should not be able to play nice with the intricate web of biochemical components and reactions that support life.

Continue reading “Enzyme Designed Entirely From Scratch Opens a World of Biological Possibility” »

Lab-grown tumor tissue matched response of the patient’s tumor to cancer treatment.

http://nationswell.com/life-after-death-technologies/

https://goodmenproject.com/business-ethics-2/guys-saving-wor…ship-kldg/

In 2016, a new Guinness World Record was set for the largest object to be 3D printed in one piece. The ABS/carbon fiber composite tool was 3D printed in 30 hours, and measured 17.5 feet long, 5.5 feet wide, and 1.5 feet tall. It was about as long as an average sport utility vehicle. The part was inarguably an impressive accomplishment – but that long length cannot compare to what Made In Space just 3D printed.

Made In Space is known for some pretty impressive accomplishments already. The company was responsible for the first 3D printer to be launched into space, and has since created a full Additive Manufacturing Facility (AMF) on the International Space station. Plenty of “firsts” have been set by the AMF as 3D printed tools, medical supplies, art and more have been 3D printed in space, the first of their kind. Now Made In Space has claimed the Guinness World Record for longest non-assembled 3D printed object, and it’s a lot longer than an SUV – it’s 37.7 meters, or 123 feet, 8.5 inches long.

Continue reading “Made In Space Takes New Guinness World Record for Longest 3D Printed Part” »

That in-home DNA test won’t tell you much about how to eat or exercise. Fortunately, you don’t need it to.

Engineers have created a DNA-based chemical oscillator, opening the door to molecular computing.

• By Rachel Nuwer on February 21, 2018