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Hear the biggest stories from the world of science | 4 February 2024.

After years of trials, Iowa State genetic scientists can build a DNA structure that can express its own genetic instructions, which could lead to medical advances.

A new stamp-sized ultrasound sticker developed by MIT can help monitor organ stiffness and detect diseases and tumor progression.

The MIT-developed sensor could detect signs of disease such as liver and kidney failure, and the progression of solid tumors.

With more than 1,000 nerve endings, human skin is the brain’s largest sensory connection to the outside world, providing a wealth of feedback through touch, temperature and pressure. While these complex features make skin a vital organ, they also make it a challenge to replicate.

By utilizing nanoengineered hydrogels that exhibit tunable electronic and thermal biosensing capabilities, researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a 3D-printed electronic skin (E-skin) that can flex, stretch and sense like human skin.

“The ability to replicate the sense of touch and integrate it into various technologies opens up new possibilities for human-machine interaction and advanced sensory experiences,” said Dr. Akhilesh Gaharwar, professor and director of research for the Department of Biomedical Engineering. “It can potentially revolutionize industries and improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.”

In the United States, the shortage of available organs for transplantation remains a critical issue, with over 100,000 individuals currently on the waiting list. The demand for organs, including hearts, kidneys, and livers, significantly outweighs the available supply, leading to prolonged waiting times and often, devastating consequences.

It is estimated that approximately 6,000 Americans lose their lives while waiting for a suitable donor organ every year.

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a novel tissue engineering technique that aims to potentially bridge the gap between organ demand and availability, offering a beacon of hope.

Researchers unveil urine-based ovarian cancer test using nanopore sensing and identifying peptides, promising improved early detection.

Cedars-Sinai Cancer investigators have discovered a protein expressed on multiple myeloma cancer cells that drives disease growth and development. The new study found that blocking part of the protein’s unique signaling pathway stops myeloma growth in culture and in laboratory mice. Their study was published in the journal Cancer Research.

The protein studied, called ephrin B2, is a powerful new target in the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma, a disease that has numerous partially effective treatments, but no cure. Based on these findings, investigators are now working on the development of therapies to target this protein in patients.

Myeloma cells grow inside a patient’s bone marrow. Unlike many types of cancer cells, multiple myeloma cells cannot live outside the patient, meaning they rely on signals from the patient’s healthy cells in order to grow. Investigators sought to determine the source of that signal as a potential way to block myeloma cells’ growth.

More young people are getting colorectal, breast, and cervical cancers. An expert recommended knowing your family history and advocating for yourself.

Terahertz radiation has several advantages over other imaging modalities, such as X-rays and ultrasound. It is non-ionizing, meaning it does not damage the cells or tissues of the body. It is also sensitive to water, which makes it ideal for detecting skin cancers, as they tend to have different water content and blood supply than normal skin.

Professor MacPherson and her team at the Department of Physics are developing a screening device that uses terahertz frequencies to scan the skin and produce high-resolution images that can identify suspicious lesions. The device is portable, fast, and easy to use and could be deployed in clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies.