Cell factories mass-produce living drugs

The CliniMACS Cell Factory at Miltenyi Biotec's facilities in Germany automates the production of cell therapy for patients with blood cancer.

Table-top cell production factories and placentas harvested after birth are promising to bring life-saving cell therapies to unprecedented numbers of patients. The techniques could potentially help to turn the tide on chronic diseases and certain forms of cancer by providing much-needed upscaling for regenerative medicine. ‘You insert the blood here, press the button, follow the steps and … Read more

Discovery of hybrid cancer cells reveals how disease spreads

Studies show that hybrid cancer cells (in yellow) combine properties of different cells which can make them more invasive.

Scientists studying skin and breast cancer in genetically modified mice have spotted hybrid cancer cells that combine the properties of different cell types, a discovery that could help understand how cancer spreads in the body and provide a new target for treatment. It is the latest insight in a fast-moving research area that is revealing … Read more

Why don’t most people become radicalised?

Social scientists say that it is important for young people to critically engage with extremism.

To understand what leads people into violent extremism, scientists are turning the question on its head and asking why it is that most young people don’t become radicalised. It’s part of a wave of research attempting to find ways of combatting extremism, which also includes analysing people’s paths to radicalisation and compiling a database of … Read more

Indoor farms could fine-tune the flavours of our food

In the future, produce could be grown directly in supermarkets or restaurants.

A new way to farm indoors using different wavelengths of light could boost the taste of fruits, salads and herbs, while also increasing food supply and nutritional value. Growing food inside brings many benefits to farmers by reducing the amount of land, fertilisers, energy and water needed to cultivate the plants. But it can come … Read more

Crash test dummies based on older bodies could reduce road fatalities

Because safety needs change as drivers' bodies age, researchers have created a new type of crash test dummy based on people over the age of 65.

Europe’s population is ageing rapidly, yet the majority of car safety equipment is tested using dummies modelled on people under the age of 65. Now researchers are developing vehicles and equipment designed specifically for the physical attributes and abilities of older bodies. When looking at the bare statistics, Europe’s roads seem to be getting safer. Over … Read more