SciTech #ScienceSunday Digest - 09/2016.
SciTech #ScienceSunday Digest - 09/2016.
Permalink here: http://www.scitechdigest.net/2016/02/precise-dna-motors-next-gen-atlas.html
Precise DNA motors, Next gen Atlas, Commercial deep learning, DARPA electro-optic chip, Sophisticated CRISPR tools, Quantum dot solids, Low power WiFi, Artificial organs, Cancer imaging & targeting, Stabilising proteins.
1. DNA Origami Atomically Precise Molecular Motors
Self assembled DNA origami structures can now be formed into atomically precise molecular motors 40nm in size that include a spinning crank, an axel bearing, and a container to hold the two together http://phys.org/news/2016-02-nanoscale-rotary-apparatus-tight-fitting-3d.html. The device is currently driven around by random thermal motions but the group are investigating mechanisms to provide driving power and unidirectional control; a future array of such devices, functionalised, might drive specific synthesis and assembly reactions. In related news self assembled DNA origami structures have been used to package / disguise cancer drugs and deliver them inside of drug resistant cells https://news.osu.edu/news/2016/02/23/dnatrojan/, and DNA origami rods bound to gold nanoparticles form a hinge that can be opened and closed with light http://www.mpg.de/10319146/nanoplasmonic-dna-nanostructure-light.
2. Next Gen Atlas Robot
Boston Dynamics has demonstrated its next generation bipedal Atlas robot http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/humanoids/next-generation-of-boston-dynamics-atlas-robot. The new Atlas is shorter, lighter (82kg), electrically powered, hydraulically actuated, self-balancing (quite a sight to see in the video), untethered, all-terrain, and overall a big improvement on the old Atlas. Be sure to watch the video if you haven’t seen it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVlhMGQgDkY.
3. Commercial Deep Learning for Images and Sounds
Google launched their Cloud Vision API as a service for anyone to use for high throughput automated image analysis for things like object labelling, text extraction, sentiment labelling, specific content filtering, and other features and represents an effort to enable applications to see, hear, and make information in the world more useful http://googlecloudplatform.blogspot.com.au/2016/02/Google-Cloud-Vision-API-enters-beta-open-to-all-to-try.html, and Google has also launched PlaNet, able to determine where in the world almost any photo was taken without using geotagged data http://gizmodo.com/googles-new-ai-can-tell-where-your-photo-was-taken-with-1761125788. Landr launched an automatic music mastering service developed with machine learning algorithms that allows artists to upload their songs and quickly and cheaply master the audio to improve the tracks http://www.canadianbusiness.com/innovation/startups-to-watch-montreal-landr/.
4. DARPA’s Electronic Photonic Chip
DARPA unveiled its most advanced electronic photonic chip http://www.darpa.mil/news-events/2016-02-19, a microprocesor that intimately combines electronic and photonic components to speed up chip operation and interchip communication. Some of the main innovations in this chip include the design and arrangement of the optical waveguides for simultaneously shuttling potentially hundreds of different wavelengths of light.
5. Very Sophisticated CRISPR Tools
The Boomerang system represents yet another powerful advance in the sophistication and effectiveness of the CRISPR genome editing system http://sg.idtdna.com/pages/decoded/decoded-articles/synthetic-biology/decoded/2016/02/08/boomerang-targeting-cancer-treatments-to-cancer-cells. Boomerang extends the CRISPR platform with powerful new tools, in this case providing a molecular switch that requires the presence of two distinct cellular signals to turn on, and once activated can be linked to produce a variety of outcomes as desired including (i) diagnostics to determine the presence of certain cells, (ii) reporter molecules to label and make visible certain cells, (iii) molecules or enzymes to induce cell death, (iv) molecules or enzymes to induce a range of cell behaviours. For example, you might infect every cell of an organism with this machinery and only those cells that expressed two cancer signals would be killed. In related news new software algorithms help to quickly design more effective CRISPR constructs http://spectrum.ieee.org/biomedical/diagnostics/software-helps-gene-editing-tool-crispr-live-up-to-its-hype.
6. Quantum Dot Lego Solids
For the first time quantum dot nanocrystals have been controllably synthesised into larger crystals to form atomically coherent square superlattices http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-02/cu-qds022416.php. These 5nm quantum dot crystals aren’t just connected by ligands but can now be fused and connected directly to each other to enable superior electrical, optical, and energy properties. These are referred to as atomically coherent quantum dot solids. The only hurdle remaining for pushing this platform forward to produce truly amazing materials is forming uniform, identical quantum dots as atomic differences in quantum dot size and composition lead to defects.
7. WiFi at 10,000 Times Less Power
A new WiFi system allows devices to transmit data at 11 megabits per second using 10,000 times less power than would normally be required http://www.washington.edu/news/2016/02/23/uw-engineers-achieve-wi-fi-at-10000-times-lower-power/. The system basically works from a main, central transmission unit broadcasting WiFi that draws power from the mains supply, while other devices within range simply reflect these signals, transmitting packets as they do so. This enables true passive WiFi devices and so is a genuine breakthrough technology for Internet of Things applications and distributed ubiquitous sensors.
8. Artificial Organ Innovations
First, tissues including ear, bone, and muscle can be printed at human scale and when implanted form functional tissues and a blood supply http://www.wakehealth.edu/News-Releases/2016/Scientists_Prove_Feasibility_of_%E2%80%9CPrinting%E2%80%9D_Replacement_Tissue.htm. Second, the development of artificial kidneys based on silicon nanofilter chips powered by blood flow with arrays of nanofilters for removing certain molecules and hosting living kidney cells to provide other important filtration functions http://www.medgadget.com/2016/02/artificial-kidney-made-of-nanofilters-and-living-cells-to-replace-dialysis.html. Finally, functional liver tissue can now be 3D printed and which closely resembles real liver tissue with a combination of different cells and metabolic functions, and which is intended for a range of applications including high throughput drug screening http://universityofcalifornia.edu/news/uc-san-diego-lab-prints-3-d-functioning-liver-tissue.
9. Imaging Cancers and Reprogrammed Skin Cells vs Cancer
Reprogramming skin cells into induced neural stem cells and delivering them into the brain results in these cells seeking out and killing cancer cells in the brain and boosting survival rates for glioblastoma by between 160% and 220% http://uncnews.unc.edu/2016/02/24/unc-chapel-hill-researchers-make-groundbreaking-discovery-use-skin-cells-to-kill-cancer/; the group hope to further boost the effectiveness of the cells’ cancer killing abilities. In related news cancer cells can be accurately imaged and visualised in 3D, providing further insights and stunning images http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-02/cp-ci3021716.php.
10. Preventing Proteins from Unfolding
New work suggests that proteins can be reinforced with covalently bonded polymers such as PEG to prevent unfolding and significantly boost mechanical stability http://phys.org/news/2016-02-protein-unfolding.html. While only demonstrated in certain protein structures (alpha sheets) and yet to be demonstrated generally, I see this as a useful tool for stabilising and improving the performance of protein-based biomaterials and solutions of enzymes for drug or production purposes.
SciTech Tip Jar: http://www.scitechdigest.net/p/donate.html
Permalink here: http://www.scitechdigest.net/2016/02/precise-dna-motors-next-gen-atlas.html
Precise DNA motors, Next gen Atlas, Commercial deep learning, DARPA electro-optic chip, Sophisticated CRISPR tools, Quantum dot solids, Low power WiFi, Artificial organs, Cancer imaging & targeting, Stabilising proteins.
1. DNA Origami Atomically Precise Molecular Motors
Self assembled DNA origami structures can now be formed into atomically precise molecular motors 40nm in size that include a spinning crank, an axel bearing, and a container to hold the two together http://phys.org/news/2016-02-nanoscale-rotary-apparatus-tight-fitting-3d.html. The device is currently driven around by random thermal motions but the group are investigating mechanisms to provide driving power and unidirectional control; a future array of such devices, functionalised, might drive specific synthesis and assembly reactions. In related news self assembled DNA origami structures have been used to package / disguise cancer drugs and deliver them inside of drug resistant cells https://news.osu.edu/news/2016/02/23/dnatrojan/, and DNA origami rods bound to gold nanoparticles form a hinge that can be opened and closed with light http://www.mpg.de/10319146/nanoplasmonic-dna-nanostructure-light.
2. Next Gen Atlas Robot
Boston Dynamics has demonstrated its next generation bipedal Atlas robot http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/humanoids/next-generation-of-boston-dynamics-atlas-robot. The new Atlas is shorter, lighter (82kg), electrically powered, hydraulically actuated, self-balancing (quite a sight to see in the video), untethered, all-terrain, and overall a big improvement on the old Atlas. Be sure to watch the video if you haven’t seen it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVlhMGQgDkY.
3. Commercial Deep Learning for Images and Sounds
Google launched their Cloud Vision API as a service for anyone to use for high throughput automated image analysis for things like object labelling, text extraction, sentiment labelling, specific content filtering, and other features and represents an effort to enable applications to see, hear, and make information in the world more useful http://googlecloudplatform.blogspot.com.au/2016/02/Google-Cloud-Vision-API-enters-beta-open-to-all-to-try.html, and Google has also launched PlaNet, able to determine where in the world almost any photo was taken without using geotagged data http://gizmodo.com/googles-new-ai-can-tell-where-your-photo-was-taken-with-1761125788. Landr launched an automatic music mastering service developed with machine learning algorithms that allows artists to upload their songs and quickly and cheaply master the audio to improve the tracks http://www.canadianbusiness.com/innovation/startups-to-watch-montreal-landr/.
4. DARPA’s Electronic Photonic Chip
DARPA unveiled its most advanced electronic photonic chip http://www.darpa.mil/news-events/2016-02-19, a microprocesor that intimately combines electronic and photonic components to speed up chip operation and interchip communication. Some of the main innovations in this chip include the design and arrangement of the optical waveguides for simultaneously shuttling potentially hundreds of different wavelengths of light.
5. Very Sophisticated CRISPR Tools
The Boomerang system represents yet another powerful advance in the sophistication and effectiveness of the CRISPR genome editing system http://sg.idtdna.com/pages/decoded/decoded-articles/synthetic-biology/decoded/2016/02/08/boomerang-targeting-cancer-treatments-to-cancer-cells. Boomerang extends the CRISPR platform with powerful new tools, in this case providing a molecular switch that requires the presence of two distinct cellular signals to turn on, and once activated can be linked to produce a variety of outcomes as desired including (i) diagnostics to determine the presence of certain cells, (ii) reporter molecules to label and make visible certain cells, (iii) molecules or enzymes to induce cell death, (iv) molecules or enzymes to induce a range of cell behaviours. For example, you might infect every cell of an organism with this machinery and only those cells that expressed two cancer signals would be killed. In related news new software algorithms help to quickly design more effective CRISPR constructs http://spectrum.ieee.org/biomedical/diagnostics/software-helps-gene-editing-tool-crispr-live-up-to-its-hype.
6. Quantum Dot Lego Solids
For the first time quantum dot nanocrystals have been controllably synthesised into larger crystals to form atomically coherent square superlattices http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-02/cu-qds022416.php. These 5nm quantum dot crystals aren’t just connected by ligands but can now be fused and connected directly to each other to enable superior electrical, optical, and energy properties. These are referred to as atomically coherent quantum dot solids. The only hurdle remaining for pushing this platform forward to produce truly amazing materials is forming uniform, identical quantum dots as atomic differences in quantum dot size and composition lead to defects.
7. WiFi at 10,000 Times Less Power
A new WiFi system allows devices to transmit data at 11 megabits per second using 10,000 times less power than would normally be required http://www.washington.edu/news/2016/02/23/uw-engineers-achieve-wi-fi-at-10000-times-lower-power/. The system basically works from a main, central transmission unit broadcasting WiFi that draws power from the mains supply, while other devices within range simply reflect these signals, transmitting packets as they do so. This enables true passive WiFi devices and so is a genuine breakthrough technology for Internet of Things applications and distributed ubiquitous sensors.
8. Artificial Organ Innovations
First, tissues including ear, bone, and muscle can be printed at human scale and when implanted form functional tissues and a blood supply http://www.wakehealth.edu/News-Releases/2016/Scientists_Prove_Feasibility_of_%E2%80%9CPrinting%E2%80%9D_Replacement_Tissue.htm. Second, the development of artificial kidneys based on silicon nanofilter chips powered by blood flow with arrays of nanofilters for removing certain molecules and hosting living kidney cells to provide other important filtration functions http://www.medgadget.com/2016/02/artificial-kidney-made-of-nanofilters-and-living-cells-to-replace-dialysis.html. Finally, functional liver tissue can now be 3D printed and which closely resembles real liver tissue with a combination of different cells and metabolic functions, and which is intended for a range of applications including high throughput drug screening http://universityofcalifornia.edu/news/uc-san-diego-lab-prints-3-d-functioning-liver-tissue.
9. Imaging Cancers and Reprogrammed Skin Cells vs Cancer
Reprogramming skin cells into induced neural stem cells and delivering them into the brain results in these cells seeking out and killing cancer cells in the brain and boosting survival rates for glioblastoma by between 160% and 220% http://uncnews.unc.edu/2016/02/24/unc-chapel-hill-researchers-make-groundbreaking-discovery-use-skin-cells-to-kill-cancer/; the group hope to further boost the effectiveness of the cells’ cancer killing abilities. In related news cancer cells can be accurately imaged and visualised in 3D, providing further insights and stunning images http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-02/cp-ci3021716.php.
10. Preventing Proteins from Unfolding
New work suggests that proteins can be reinforced with covalently bonded polymers such as PEG to prevent unfolding and significantly boost mechanical stability http://phys.org/news/2016-02-protein-unfolding.html. While only demonstrated in certain protein structures (alpha sheets) and yet to be demonstrated generally, I see this as a useful tool for stabilising and improving the performance of protein-based biomaterials and solutions of enzymes for drug or production purposes.
SciTech Tip Jar: http://www.scitechdigest.net/p/donate.html
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