First "embryo" from stem cells. Scientists at the University of Cambridge have managed to create a structure resembling a mouse embryo in culture, using two types of stem cells — the body's 'master cells' - and a 3D scaffold on which they can grow. Understanding the very early stages of embryo development is of interest because this knowledge may help explain why more than two out of three human pregnancies fail at this time.
3D printing with plants. Thanks to new research at MIT, cellulose may become an abundant material to print with -- potentially providing a renewable, biodegradable alternative to the polymers currently used in 3-D printing materials. Cellulose acetate can be dissolved in acetone and extruded through a nozzle. As the acetone quickly evaporates, the cellulose acetate solidifies in place.
Pressing Delete button in DNA. A new software pipeline CRISPETa makes it possible even for non-experts to edit or delete a desired piece of non-coding DNA with "molecular scissors" CRISPR. The software will also potentially be valuable as part of a basic research tool as well as a powerful therapeutic to reverse disease-causing mutations.
Why pandas are black and white. Researchers in California determined that there two basic functions of giant panda’s distinct black-and-white markings: communication — dark eye patches may help them recognize each other or signal aggression toward panda competitors, and camouflage — white helps hide in snowy habitats and black arms and legs help out in the shade.
Do we look like our names? Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem suggest that people’s appearance does indeed match their name and even a hairstyle associated with their name, representing an ultimate social tag. The appearance is affected by their name only if they used it and not just state on the birth certificate.
