SciTech #ScienceSunday Digest - 13/2016.
SciTech #ScienceSunday Digest - 13/2016.
Permalink here: http://www.scitechdigest.net/2016/03/crispr-vs-hiv-transdermal-drug-implant.html
Living factories, CRISPR vs HIV, Transdermal drug implant, Tiny RFID chip, Smallest genomic organism, Perfect graphene nanoribbons, New neuroprosthetics, Machine learning developments, Smartphone sensor extensions, Plasma printing nanoparticles.
1. Living Factories via Synthetic Biology
Nature has a good review article concerning the rise of synthetic biology and its use in developing living factories able to produce a huge array of products and materials http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v531/n7594/full/531401a.html. Examples include yeast that produces pain-killing pharmaceutical drugs, implanted encapsulated immune cells that produce signalling molecules for psoriasis, cellular sensors that detect and respond to metabolites in the blood, bacteria that produce engineered spider silk for textiles, and others that produce biofuels and plastics. Also discusses rationale for moving away from model organisms to those optimised for production, and the exciting possibilities and power of moving to cell-free systems for bioproduction. The growing importance of standard software, standard bioparts, standard gene circuits to help with reliability and repeatability in the field is also outlined.
2. CRISPR Shuts Down HIV
CRISPR has been used to disable HIV DNA in human T-cell genomes, and these cells (i) didn’t produce virus to infect other T-cells and (ii) were protected from reinfection after subsequent exposure to HIV http://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-have-removed-hiv-dna-from-human-immune-cells-using-new-gene-editing-technique. The group hopes to improve accuracy before moving into human trials. But overall this is very promising as a platform demonstration for the ability of CRISPR to deactivate pathogenic DNA from cells and so cure chronic viral infections such as HIV, HPV, HSV, and HCV for example.
3. Living Transdermal Implant for Antibody Production
A small, thin implantable capsule has been developed that comprises two permeable membranes held by polypropylene frame and containing a hydrogel loaded with cells engineered to produce recombinant anti-amyloid antibodies http://www.kurzweilai.net/transdermal-implant-releases-antibodies-to-trigger-immune-system-to-clear-alzheimers-plaques. When implanted in mice with Alzheimer's the capsule prevented the immune system from attacking the cells or device, allowed passive exchange of nutrients and wastes, and successfully produced antibodies that dramatically reduced amyloid plaques in the brain. This is a very interesting platform for smart engineered cell therapies applicable across a wide range of applications.
4. Smallest RFID Chip
Hitachi has launched the smallest RFID chip ever produced, measuring just 0.15mm by 0.15mm and 7.5 microns thick http://thefutureofthings.com/3221-hitachi-develops-worlds-smallest-rfid-chip/. This is really getting towards smart dust. Each chip can store 128-bits of read-only memory, and might be useful in a range of logistics, tracking, counterfeiting, and other applications.
5. Minimal Organism syn3.0
Craig Venter’s group has created the smallest viable organism genome, building on work released in 2010 dubbed syn1.0 to create organism syn3.0 with just 473 genes https://www.quantamagazine.org/20160324-in-newly-created-life-form-a-major-mystery/. Painstakingly whittling down the genome of model organism Mycoplasma genitalium (517 genes / 580kilobases) to arrive at the minimal genome required to survive. The big surprise is that up to a third of the genes have unknown functions (the rest are for DNA maintenance, RNA production and translation to protein, and cell membrane maintenance). There appears to be different ways to have a core set of instructions. In related news excellent work has unveiled the structure and function of fundamental gene transcription machinery http://newscenter.lbl.gov/2016/03/23/unlocking-the-secrets-of-gene-expression/.
6. Fabricating Perfect Graphene Nanoribbons
By using specific precursor molecules, perfect graphene nanoribbons with straight defect-free zigzag edges have been fabricated for the first time http://www.mpip-mainz.mpg.de/4567880/PM2016_4. The narrower such perfect graphene nanoribbons are the bigger their electronic bandgap, and they come with the added bonus of each edge conducting electrons in perfect, opposite spins. In related work repeated crumpling and wrinkling of graphene sheets leads to not only workable bandgaps but compressed graphene materials that retain extreme flexibility and electrical conductivity for energy storage and computational applications http://spectrum.ieee.org/nanoclast/semiconductors/materials/crumpling-graphene-repeatedly-adds-a-new-wrinkle.
7. Trio of New Neuroprosthetics
First, a new chip has been implanted into mice brains where it directly senses levels of dopamine and is able to adjust these levels on the fly by electrically stimulating certain neurons to produce more http://spectrum.ieee.org/the-human-os/biomedical/devices/implantable-chip-measures-and-adjusts-dopamine-levels-in-mouse-brain, basically functioning like a thermostat for dopamine rather than temperature, and possibly being able to replace certain drugs for humans for disease or enhancement. Second, a new DARPA program called Targeted Neuroplasticity Training is seeking to use peripheral nerve stimulation in order to enhance general learning processes in the brain http://www.darpa.mil/news-events/2016-03-16. Finally, novel headphones containing twin electrode patches for targeted direct current stimulation of the brain are being used for boosting learning of motor skills https://www.technologyreview.com/s/601054/brain-zapping-headphones-could-make-you-a-better-athlete/.
8. Trio of Machine Learning Advances
First, Google made its Cloud Machine Learning service generally available to everyone as part of the Google Cloud Platform, and allowing people to use the same tools that power products like voice recognition, Google Now, and Google Photos https://cloudplatform.googleblog.com/2016/03/Google-takes-Cloud-Machine-Learning-service-mainstream.html, which will hopefully help accelerate the development of powerful new applications in this space. Second, machine learning systems are making progress on human lip reading and being able to infer speech in the absence of any audio data if the speaker’s lips are visible for a range of applications https://www.uea.ac.uk/about/-/read-my-lips-new-technology-spells-out-what-s-said-when-audio-fails. Finally, DARPA’s latest Grand Challenge is a machine learning competition for collaborative adaptation in optimising spectrum allocation and generally improving wireless communications http://www.darpa.mil/news-events/2016-03-23.
9. Trio of Smartphone Sensor Extensions
First, a new MEMS-based sensor platform plugs into the USB port of smartphones to provide highly sensitive gas sensors capable of exhaled breath analysis to detect volatile organic compounds indicative of certain diseases http://phys.org/news/2016-03-sensitive-electronic-biosniffers-diseases-biomarkers.html. Second, new company Clarius has launched a wireless portable ultrasound device for accurate ultrasound imaging via smartphones http://www.androidpolice.com/2016/03/21/clarius-introduces-a-wireless-portable-ultrasound-for-android-and-ios/. Finally, a $10 infrared laser can grant smartphones accurate depth sensing and range-finding, even outdoors http://news.mit.edu/2016/phone-based-laser-rangefinder-works-outdoors-0325.
10. Plasma Printing with Nanoparticles
Nanoparticles and related materials can now be printed onto arbitrary surfaces including crumbled paper and cloth via a new plasma printing process https://www.aip.org/publishing/journal-highlights/printing-nanomaterials-plasma. This removes the problems of inkjet printing of nanoparticles including needing a liquid form and unable to print on flexible 3D surfaces and also works at low temperatures. The proof of concept used carbon nanotubes, printed onto paper to form simple chemical and biological sensors. Multi-nozzle designs are planned, as well as large-area capabilities. I’m thinking it’d be interesting to see printed large-area quantum dot solar panels or LEDs.
SciTech Tip Jar: http://www.scitechdigest.net/p/donate.html
Permalink here: http://www.scitechdigest.net/2016/03/crispr-vs-hiv-transdermal-drug-implant.html
Living factories, CRISPR vs HIV, Transdermal drug implant, Tiny RFID chip, Smallest genomic organism, Perfect graphene nanoribbons, New neuroprosthetics, Machine learning developments, Smartphone sensor extensions, Plasma printing nanoparticles.
1. Living Factories via Synthetic Biology
Nature has a good review article concerning the rise of synthetic biology and its use in developing living factories able to produce a huge array of products and materials http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v531/n7594/full/531401a.html. Examples include yeast that produces pain-killing pharmaceutical drugs, implanted encapsulated immune cells that produce signalling molecules for psoriasis, cellular sensors that detect and respond to metabolites in the blood, bacteria that produce engineered spider silk for textiles, and others that produce biofuels and plastics. Also discusses rationale for moving away from model organisms to those optimised for production, and the exciting possibilities and power of moving to cell-free systems for bioproduction. The growing importance of standard software, standard bioparts, standard gene circuits to help with reliability and repeatability in the field is also outlined.
2. CRISPR Shuts Down HIV
CRISPR has been used to disable HIV DNA in human T-cell genomes, and these cells (i) didn’t produce virus to infect other T-cells and (ii) were protected from reinfection after subsequent exposure to HIV http://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-have-removed-hiv-dna-from-human-immune-cells-using-new-gene-editing-technique. The group hopes to improve accuracy before moving into human trials. But overall this is very promising as a platform demonstration for the ability of CRISPR to deactivate pathogenic DNA from cells and so cure chronic viral infections such as HIV, HPV, HSV, and HCV for example.
3. Living Transdermal Implant for Antibody Production
A small, thin implantable capsule has been developed that comprises two permeable membranes held by polypropylene frame and containing a hydrogel loaded with cells engineered to produce recombinant anti-amyloid antibodies http://www.kurzweilai.net/transdermal-implant-releases-antibodies-to-trigger-immune-system-to-clear-alzheimers-plaques. When implanted in mice with Alzheimer's the capsule prevented the immune system from attacking the cells or device, allowed passive exchange of nutrients and wastes, and successfully produced antibodies that dramatically reduced amyloid plaques in the brain. This is a very interesting platform for smart engineered cell therapies applicable across a wide range of applications.
4. Smallest RFID Chip
Hitachi has launched the smallest RFID chip ever produced, measuring just 0.15mm by 0.15mm and 7.5 microns thick http://thefutureofthings.com/3221-hitachi-develops-worlds-smallest-rfid-chip/. This is really getting towards smart dust. Each chip can store 128-bits of read-only memory, and might be useful in a range of logistics, tracking, counterfeiting, and other applications.
5. Minimal Organism syn3.0
Craig Venter’s group has created the smallest viable organism genome, building on work released in 2010 dubbed syn1.0 to create organism syn3.0 with just 473 genes https://www.quantamagazine.org/20160324-in-newly-created-life-form-a-major-mystery/. Painstakingly whittling down the genome of model organism Mycoplasma genitalium (517 genes / 580kilobases) to arrive at the minimal genome required to survive. The big surprise is that up to a third of the genes have unknown functions (the rest are for DNA maintenance, RNA production and translation to protein, and cell membrane maintenance). There appears to be different ways to have a core set of instructions. In related news excellent work has unveiled the structure and function of fundamental gene transcription machinery http://newscenter.lbl.gov/2016/03/23/unlocking-the-secrets-of-gene-expression/.
6. Fabricating Perfect Graphene Nanoribbons
By using specific precursor molecules, perfect graphene nanoribbons with straight defect-free zigzag edges have been fabricated for the first time http://www.mpip-mainz.mpg.de/4567880/PM2016_4. The narrower such perfect graphene nanoribbons are the bigger their electronic bandgap, and they come with the added bonus of each edge conducting electrons in perfect, opposite spins. In related work repeated crumpling and wrinkling of graphene sheets leads to not only workable bandgaps but compressed graphene materials that retain extreme flexibility and electrical conductivity for energy storage and computational applications http://spectrum.ieee.org/nanoclast/semiconductors/materials/crumpling-graphene-repeatedly-adds-a-new-wrinkle.
7. Trio of New Neuroprosthetics
First, a new chip has been implanted into mice brains where it directly senses levels of dopamine and is able to adjust these levels on the fly by electrically stimulating certain neurons to produce more http://spectrum.ieee.org/the-human-os/biomedical/devices/implantable-chip-measures-and-adjusts-dopamine-levels-in-mouse-brain, basically functioning like a thermostat for dopamine rather than temperature, and possibly being able to replace certain drugs for humans for disease or enhancement. Second, a new DARPA program called Targeted Neuroplasticity Training is seeking to use peripheral nerve stimulation in order to enhance general learning processes in the brain http://www.darpa.mil/news-events/2016-03-16. Finally, novel headphones containing twin electrode patches for targeted direct current stimulation of the brain are being used for boosting learning of motor skills https://www.technologyreview.com/s/601054/brain-zapping-headphones-could-make-you-a-better-athlete/.
8. Trio of Machine Learning Advances
First, Google made its Cloud Machine Learning service generally available to everyone as part of the Google Cloud Platform, and allowing people to use the same tools that power products like voice recognition, Google Now, and Google Photos https://cloudplatform.googleblog.com/2016/03/Google-takes-Cloud-Machine-Learning-service-mainstream.html, which will hopefully help accelerate the development of powerful new applications in this space. Second, machine learning systems are making progress on human lip reading and being able to infer speech in the absence of any audio data if the speaker’s lips are visible for a range of applications https://www.uea.ac.uk/about/-/read-my-lips-new-technology-spells-out-what-s-said-when-audio-fails. Finally, DARPA’s latest Grand Challenge is a machine learning competition for collaborative adaptation in optimising spectrum allocation and generally improving wireless communications http://www.darpa.mil/news-events/2016-03-23.
9. Trio of Smartphone Sensor Extensions
First, a new MEMS-based sensor platform plugs into the USB port of smartphones to provide highly sensitive gas sensors capable of exhaled breath analysis to detect volatile organic compounds indicative of certain diseases http://phys.org/news/2016-03-sensitive-electronic-biosniffers-diseases-biomarkers.html. Second, new company Clarius has launched a wireless portable ultrasound device for accurate ultrasound imaging via smartphones http://www.androidpolice.com/2016/03/21/clarius-introduces-a-wireless-portable-ultrasound-for-android-and-ios/. Finally, a $10 infrared laser can grant smartphones accurate depth sensing and range-finding, even outdoors http://news.mit.edu/2016/phone-based-laser-rangefinder-works-outdoors-0325.
10. Plasma Printing with Nanoparticles
Nanoparticles and related materials can now be printed onto arbitrary surfaces including crumbled paper and cloth via a new plasma printing process https://www.aip.org/publishing/journal-highlights/printing-nanomaterials-plasma. This removes the problems of inkjet printing of nanoparticles including needing a liquid form and unable to print on flexible 3D surfaces and also works at low temperatures. The proof of concept used carbon nanotubes, printed onto paper to form simple chemical and biological sensors. Multi-nozzle designs are planned, as well as large-area capabilities. I’m thinking it’d be interesting to see printed large-area quantum dot solar panels or LEDs.
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