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Category: robotics/AI – Page 212

Engineering biology applications for environmental solutions: potential and challenges

Engineering biology applies synthetic biology to address global environmental challenges like bioremediation, biosequestration, pollutant monitoring, and resource recovery. This perspective outlines innovations in engineering biology, its integration with other technologies (e.g., nanotechnology, IoT, AI), and commercial ventures leveraging these advancements. We also discuss commercialisation and scaling challenges, biosafety and biosecurity considerations including biocontainment strategies, social and political dimensions, and governance issues that must be addressed for successful real-world implementation. Finally, we highlight future perspectives and propose strategies to overcome existing hurdles, aiming to accelerate the adoption of engineering biology for environmental solutions.

The scale of global environmental challenges requires a multi-pronged approach, which utilises all the technologies at our disposal. Here, authors provide their perspective on the potential of engineering biology for environmental biotechnology, summarizing their thoughts on the key challenges and future possibilities for the field.

Photo-switchable DNA condensates enable remote-controlled microflow systems

Remote-controlled microflow using light-controlled state transitions within DNA condensates has been reported by scientists from the Institute of Science Tokyo, Japan. By switching between ultraviolet light (UV) and visible light irradiation, the researchers demonstrated that the novel DNA motifs containing azobenzene can dissociate or reassemble. Furthermore, localized photo-switching within a DNA liquid condensate generated two distinct directional motions. This study can fuel the development of innovative fluid-based diagnostic chips and molecular computers.

Advancements in micro-and nano-scale fabrication technologies have given rise to diverse micrometer-sized entities such as microgels and liposomes, which are widely utilized in therapeutic formulations and microfluidic sensors. The precise control of the structure and function permits the adoption of micro-scale objects in various applications. However, the remote controllability of miniaturized fluidic objects has not yet been realized.

A recent study by scientists from the Institute of Science Tokyo (Science Tokyo), Japan, represents a significant step toward the development of remotely controllable microfluidic objects that are capable of performing mechanical actions. The research team comprised Professor Masahiro Takinoue and Specially Appointed Assistant Professor Hirotake Udono, both from the Department of Computer Science, along with Associate Professor Shin-ichiro M. Nomura from the Department of Robotics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University. Their research findings were published online in Nature Communications on May 14, 2025.

First Ever Tesla Robotaxi Ride!

Questions to inspire discussion.

Affordability and Accessibility.

💰 Q: How affordable is Tesla’s robotaxi service? A: The robotaxi service is highly affordable, with a $4.20 fare for a ride from Terablax to St. Edwards University, making it a game-changer for downtrodden areas where car ownership is unaffordable.

🌐 Q: How scalable is the robotaxi service? A: The service is highly scalable, with potential to rapidly expand the network by deploying cars in new regions, enabling access to transportation for more people in the next couple of years.

User Experience and Integration.

🎵 Q: How is the user experience integrated across Tesla services? A: Tesla offers a unified single sign-on for all services, allowing users to log in and carry over their song from their Cyber Truck to the robotaxi, enhancing user experience.

Continue reading “First Ever Tesla Robotaxi Ride!” | >

Scientists create ‘universal translator’ for quantum tech

Scientists at UBC have devised a chip-based device that acts as a “universal translator” for quantum computers, converting delicate microwave signals to optical ones and back with minimal loss and noise. This innovation preserves crucial quantum entanglement and works both ways, making it a potential backbone for a future quantum internet. By exploiting engineered flaws in silicon and using superconducting components, the device achieves near-perfect signal translation with extremely low power use and it all fits on a chip. If realized, this could transform secure communication, navigation, and even drug discovery.

AI system predicts early childhood cavities in individual teeth with high accuracy

Early childhood caries (ECC)—the world’s most prevalent chronic childhood disease—disproportionately targets specific teeth, a mystery that has remained unresolved until now.

A collaborative research team from the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Hong Kong (HKU), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS-QIBEBT), Qingdao Stomatological Hospital, and Qingdao Women and Children’s Hospital has made a discovery that could revolutionize the prevention of childhood tooth decay.

The team has developed the world’s first artificial intelligence (AI) system capable of predicting early childhood caries risk for individual based on microbial characteristics, achieving an accuracy rate of more than 90%. The study is published in Cell Host & Microbe.

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