Stem cells under an electron microscope

Gel frame and will serve as the supplier of the necessary substances, and (at first) the protection of cells from the effects imposed by the unfavorable environment of the body, and this - the key to success.

Over time, the hydrogel is degraded completely and absorbed into the body. This is another important feature of the invention, the programmed addition of certain molecules to its structure.

Conboy explains: "Within a few days the stem cells will be contained in an optimal environment with a good chance that they will restore the sick or old cloth."

While researchers are conducting experiments in vitro, to understand how adult stem cells in mice muscles behave in a gel. Soon they plan to transplant the gel skeleton in young and old animals with damage to the muscles, in the hope that tissue to repair itself.


Hydrogel undergoes a phase transition at a temperature of 34 degrees Celsius. This research could lead to a new method for treating degenerative diseases such as muscular dystrophy, or even help in the reconstruction of brain tissue and blood vessels.

Long-term objective of authors of the gel is to learn how to remove tissue from malfunctioning stem cells, put them into the hydrogel, reproduction and seek input biomaterial back into the human body to improve its ability to self-repair.

"Now, our health is at a decent level of about 40 years, and after that - begins to deteriorate, - said Irina. - But I'm optimistic I think that you might feel quite well up to 90 years. "

Robot-lizard taught to climb the glass

The robot tries to imitate the gecko lizards: its legs are synthetic bristles, made ​​of elastomer, each of these hairs "attracted" to the wall of the intermolecular force, known as van der Waals force (of such experiments see here and here ).

StickyBot while moving very slowly breaks down, but the researchers hope that robots of this type will in future serve as planetary rovers and / or rescue boats. By which a person becomes a spider, but more about robots Cliff-bot , and Lemur .

Mine boots created robots:

Unlike the old shoes for engineers, designed for damping shock and preserve the integrity of the feet, shoes are designed to exclude the robot itself undermining.

They are equipped with six "legs" (each), in which are embedded detectors. If the electronics approach captures the metal when the owner of such shoes puts foot down, automatic instantly lifts up the proper support, while the remaining five legs provide stability of man, taking on the weight. Thus, walking through a minefield, the owner of the mine shoe on mine does not.

They note that the testing and improvement of the system will still continue, but to the invention has already expressed interest in several companies.