In a picture: How this robotic tendril mimics climbing plants – Dr Barbara Mazzolai

Image credit - Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT)

Plants move at a much slower rate than what we can see. They don’t have muscles so they’ve figured out different ways to move. One way is through osmosis, which shifts water in their stems to change their stiffness. What you see in the video is a robot actually using osmosis. This is very important … Read more

3D-printed living tissues could spell the end of arthritis

Arthritis breaks down the cartilage between joints, leading to pain, stiffness and swelling.

by Ethan Bilby Bioinks containing stem cells are being used to 3D print living tissues that can be inserted into the body and provoke a damaged joint to heal itself. It’s a development that could reduce the discomfort and pain of the one in 10 people who will suffer from arthritis over their lifetime. Arthritis … Read more

Plant-based molecules company wins EU’s women innovators prize

First prize was awarded to Dr Gabriella Colucci, whose companies identify active plant-based molecules for the cosmetics industry.

Dr Gabriella Colucci, the founder of two biotechnology companies that discover new plant-based molecules for industrial use, has won the top award of €100,000 in the 2018 EU Prize for Women Innovators, which was presented at a ceremony in Brussels, Belgium on 21 June. Dr Colucci, whose businesses have filed 14 patents for newly discovered … Read more

Why get a filling when you could print a new smile?

A new material printed onto teeth could help the approximately one in 10 people who suffer from dental sensitivity caused by worn enamel.

by Ethan Bilby Twinges. Painful teeth. About one in 10 people suffer from dental sensitivity caused by worn enamel. But rather than providing short-term solutions like special toothpastes or fillings, new techniques could print whole new layers of enamel onto teeth – or even stimulate the body to grow new ones. Dr Antonios Anastasiou wants to … Read more