Investigators are working to develop electrogenetic devices that use remote-controlled electrical stimulation to elicit specific behaviors in engineered cells. They are following in the footsteps of optogenetics, which use specific wavelengths of light to control cell function remotely. A new study published in Science used such a device paired with encapsulated, engineered human pancreatic beta cells to express enough insulin to restore normal glycemic levels in mice models of diabetes.

BioWorld looks at translational medicine, including: iPSC microtissue gives clues to heart disease; Tumor types have distinct microbiomes; Kinase helps prepare pre-metastatic niche; EZH2 has dual role; New alcohol risk genes in Caucasians; Assay system identifies mitochondria-targeting drugs for PD; Imitating ticks to evade immunity; Ovarian organoids implicate oviducts.

Fidget spinners are hand-held toys based on a roller bearing and three weighted lobes, which can spin freely, creating centrifugal force when activated manually. Generating centrifugal force with a fidget spinner takes neither electricity nor trained staff. And that has suggested to several researchers that such spinners, under the right circumstances, could be used for centrifugation under circumstances where reliably operating a centrifuge, for  whatever reason, is a challenge.

LONDON – A vast new body of genomics research has identified thousands of rare genetic variants that are predicted to cause loss of function in protein coding genes, providing novel in vivo models of human gene inactivation.

Variants in the APOE gene are the strongest genetic risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Now, researchers at Rockefeller University have demonstrated that APOE variants also affected the risk of progression and metastasis as well as the response to immunotherapy, in melanoma.

BioWorld looks at translational medicine, including: SIRPa blockade wakes up macrophages post-infection; Lasting immunity to SARS-CoV-2 looks possible; Atherosclerosis, AD meet at the myelin; T cell aging induces broad senescence; P53 loss leads to immune evasion; Early roots of ALS visible in teeth; SLAPping down MDR gram-negatives; ALK is candidate thinness gene; Can N-BPs become MVP again?

Researchers at Duke University have identified a region in the central amygdala – more often thought of as a processing hub for emotions – that could suppress pain when activated.

So far, the excitement surrounding “living drugs” is that of pioneer work, with the Carl June and Steve Rosenberg playing the roles of Lewis and Clark or the Wright brothers.

CYBERSPACE – At the virtual annual meeting of the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy, CAR T cells were the subject of both historical overviews and cutting-edge research alike.