Important Innovations

Human Brain Cell Transplant Provides Incredible Detail on How Brain Operates Human Brain Cells Breakthrough Neuroscience by Imperial College London Scientists have created a window into the brain, which allows them to watch in real-time and with incredible details how human brain cells develop, connect and communicate with each other. The potential of their approach may result in better understanding of brain conditions like autism and provide eventual cures. Volunteer Donators Researchers from Imperial College London and the University of Cambridge transplanted human brain cells from volunteers into a mouse brain.  It allowed them to study the way human brain cells interact in a natural environment. Down Syndrome The team used the technique to model Down Syndrome using brain cells donated by 2 individuals with the condition.  They saw significant differences in the brain cells from those with Down Syndrome and those without it.  They noted the cells are n...

Genetically Putting Mosquitos on Self-Destruct Africa's Malaria-Endemic Countries DNA Editing Malaria is among the world's worst scourges.  In Africa in 2016, 194 million people were infected by malaria and nearly half a million died from it.  The deadly disease is caused by a parasite and transmitted by mosquito bites. Imperial College London Biologists A team of biologists at Imperial College London may have the weapon to end the scourge.  They've successfully gene-edited mosquitos to self-destruct.  They've targeted a patch of DNA that never varies.  By gene editing the female mosquitos into infertility, the population becomes extinct within 5 to 11 generations. Potential:  Malaria Eliminated within 2 Decades If this gene editing is as successful as lab tests have been, the scientists believe malaria could be eliminated within 2 decades.  Computer models indicate that in the wild mosquito populations could be made extinct by the techn...

Breakthrough in Tissue Regeneration thru 3D Printin g Researchers at the Imperial College London have developed a way to 3D print soft biological structures. They match the structure and softness of body tissues.  As a result researchers say these structures could be used to build life-like models of the brain and lungs for medical procedures.  Specifically to form scaffolds that act as a template for tissue regeneration - allowing damaged tissue to regrow. Scaffolds to Rebuild and Heal The Imperial College medical scaffolds are super soft.  The scientists don't believe they have the issues that normally face tissue replacement transplant procedures like rejection by the body.  This innovation has many significant applications for tissue or organ transplants. Future of Medicine This research is pointing the way to the future of medicine.  3D printing of soft biological structures may lead to the seeding of neuronal cells involved in the brain and spin...