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Category: biotech/medical – Page 240
Freshwater mussel protein offers new source of inspiration for medical-grade glues
Researchers at the University of Toronto have identified a protein from the quagga mussel that can stick to surfaces underwater, even though it lacks a chemical feature long thought to be essential for this kind of adhesion. The protein, called Dbfp7, is the first freshwater mussel adhesive protein to be functionally characterized.
The finding, published in PNAS, helps explain how some organisms attach themselves in wet environments and could inform the design of future medical glues—such as medical sealants and surgical adhesives—or other materials that need to work reliably in water.
Most studies of underwater adhesion have focused on marine mussels, which use proteins rich in a modified amino acid called 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) to bond to surfaces. Freshwater species have been studied less, and whether they rely on the same chemistry has not been clear.
When “Artificial Neurons” Can Talk Directly to the “Brain”
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The world is entering an era where “technology” and “living organisms” merge into one. Most recently, in 2026, a research team from Northwestern University created a landmark breakthrough by developing “Printed Neurons.” These are not designed just to mimic biology—they can actually “transmit signals” to communicate with living brain cells!
Why is this a big deal?
Typically, the silicon-based computers we use today operate entirely differently from the human brain. Computers consume massive amounts of power and are rigid. In contrast, our brains use only about 20 watts (less than some lightbulbs) and are incredibly flexible.
Creating artificial neurons that “speak the same language as the brain” is the key to treating diseases that were once considered incurable.
Innovations in “Electronic Ink” and “3D Printing“
At the heart of this research lies a leap forward in materials science and engineering:
• Nanomaterials (MoS₂ and Graphene): Researchers used these materials to create a specialized “ink” for printing neural networks. These materials are unique for being both flexible and excellent conductors of electricity.
• Aerosol Jet Printing: This technology allows for nano-level precision printing on flexible plastic sheets, designed to contour perfectly to human tissue.
• Biomimicry: These artificial cells can generate electrical signals called “Spikes,” matching the rhythm and speed of actual biological neurons.
Proven! Successful Communication with a “Mouse Brain“
The research team tested the connection between these printed neurons and mouse brain tissue. The results showed that the mouse brain cells could receive and respond to signals from the artificial device as if they were from their own kind. This is vital evidence that humans can create devices that interface seamlessly with the nervous system.
Printed Artificial Neurons Connect With Real Brain Cells | WION News
Northwestern University engineers developed flexible, printed artificial neurons that communicate directly with living brain cells, marking a major breakthrough for brain-machine interfaces and neuroprosthetics. Using aerosol jet printing with materials like molybdenum disulfide, these devices generate signals that trigger responses in mouse brain tissue.
#neurons #braincells #wion.
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We Are Creating Artificial Brains
The Big Why explores the cutting edge of science and technology: Artificial Brains! 🧠🤖 In this mind-blowing video, we dive into the quest to replicate the human brain’s complexity and power in a machine.
Discover the various approaches scientists are taking, from simulating neural networks to building brain-like hardware. We’ll examine the potential of this technology to revolutionize medicine, robotics, and even our understanding of consciousness.
But we won’t shy away from the big questions either: Could artificial brains surpass human intelligence? What are the ethical implications of creating conscious machines? Join us as we ponder the future of AI and the potential for a technological singularity.
#ArtificialBrain #AI #Neuroscience #Robotics #FutureTech #Consciousness #Singularity #thebigwhy
00:00 — Intro
01:33 — Overview
03:39 — Approaches to Brain Simulation
06:02 — Artificial Brain Thought Experiment
07:40 — Outro.
Glial Cells as Emerging Therapeutic Targets in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Mechanistic Insights and Translational Perspectives
Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis share converging mechanisms of neuronal dysfunction, including protein aggregation, oxidative stress, and chronic neuroinflammation. Glial cells, once considered passive supporters, are now recognized as central drivers of these processes, offering both pathogenic triggers and therapeutic opportunities. Yet, despite compelling preclinical evidence, the translation of glial-targeted therapies into clinical success has been limited. This review provides a critical synthesis of current knowledge by examining therapeutic strategies through the lens of their translational challenges and failures.
Insular input to the prelimbic cortex underlies social affective behavior in rats
Delayed onset of hemichorea and dystonia can occur after cortical temporal Stroke, even when imaging reveals small acute ischemic lesions and routine blood tests are normal.
This case report describes delayed hemichorea-dystonia following right carotid endarterectomy for proximal internal carotid artery stenosis in a 79-year-old man.
Genetic Landscape and Diagnostic Outcomes of UK Patients With Congenital Myopathies and Muscular Dystrophies Over a 10-Year Period
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White matter injury may lead to neurodegeneration
The brain is equally divided into grey and white matter. Grey matter contains the brain’s processing hubs, linked by an information highway — the white matter. Although white matter damage is a defining feature of multiple sclerosis and is also seen in neurodegeneration including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, the consequences of white matter damage are not well understood.
The team created localised damage to myelin – the main component of white matter – in a well-defined brain circuit and followed what happened over time. They found that small, localised myelin damage triggered a striking response in a connected, remote grey matter region. Neuronal activity fell, microglia – the brain’s immune cells – became activated, and connections between neurons were lost.
Crucially, these changes were not permanent. After myelin was regenerated, neuronal activity recovered, connections between neurons returned, and the inflammatory response subsided.
The study also challenges a common assumption about brain inflammation. Grey matter inflammation is traditionally viewed as harmful. But here, the team found that this transient response was part of the repair process itself. When they prevented grey matter inflammation, myelin regeneration was impaired.
Conversely, when the team blocked myelin regeneration, the grey matter response did not resolve and instead became chronic. This suggests that failed myelin regeneration may help drive the persistent low-grade inflammation seen in neurodegenerative disease. ScienceMission sciencenewshighlights.
Damage to white matter in the brain can trigger features associated with neurodegenerative disease, The researchers have discovered in a new study published in the journal Nature.
The role of noradrenergic innervation and β-cell dedifferentiation in diabetes
Noradrenergic innervation and β-cell dedifferentiation in diabetes.
Dedifferentiation, a survival mechanism whereby mature β-cells revert to a nonfunctional state under metabolic stress, represents a fundamental driver of β-cell failure in type 2 diabetes.
Dedifferentiation is reversible, primarily through dietary intervention or bariatric surgery, and redifferentiation may promote type 2 diabetes remission.
Noradrenergic fiber density is increased in diabetic pancreases and correlates with β-cell dedifferentiation, suggesting that altered signaling may trigger the process.
A link between diet, redifferentiation, reduction of noradrenergic fibers, and type 2 diabetes remission has been hypothesized.
The review proposes that targeting pancreatic noradrenergic innervation could be a novel therapeutic strategy to reverse β-cell dedifferentiation, restore insulin function, and achieve type 2 diabetes remission. sciencenewshighlights ScienceMission https://sciencemission.com/noradrenergic-innervation–in-diabetes