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Antimicrobial peptides have the potential to combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance; however, their clinical translation remains challenging. Here, we discuss molecular farming as a sustainable approach to antimicrobial peptide production, outlining different platforms to produce antimicrobial peptides using plants and viral vectors.
Academic research plays a central role in the translational ecosystem, sitting on one end of the valley of death, that is, the gap between preclinical research and real-world clinical applications. Considering clinical need and applicability early in research and development, and knowing about regulatory and commercialization processes, may help academics push innovations across the valley.
In addition to systemic inequity, the lack of adequate parental leave conditions at many US institutions can negatively affect career trajectories for women in STEM. Support structures are needed at the institutional, departmental and funding agency level to promote the success of pregnant women and parents with childcare responsibilities in academia.
Social connections are an important means for people to cope with adversity and illness. Thus, technologies, such as social network analysis, that can leverage close, face-to-face social networks could help optimize healthcare interventions and reduce healthcare-related costs, particularly in low-resource settings.
Engineered food has taken the step out of laboratories and started entering the market. However, whether engineered food technologies present a real opportunity for systemic change will depend on research advances, socio-political and economic considerations and acceptance by consumers.
Access to prosthetic and orthotic devices remains limited in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) due to the lack of manufacturing and specialized healthcare facilities, and the limited access to skilled, certified medical personnel. Rise Bionics makes devices with digital fabrication and access-conscious engineering to increase accessibility and affordability.
Academic bullying, discrimination and harassment affect the health and careers of many academics. Voices calling on action against academic bullying are getting louder. Empowering individuals to speak up will further turn up the volume to finally reduce the gap between anti-bullying policy drafts and genuine actions.
The scientific narrative around food biotechnologies, such as genetically modified crops, is ineffective at predicting their role in the development and change of agricultural practices and food. Here, we suggest placing the scientific discussion of new food technologies in the context of the political and economic forces that shape agriculture.
Point-of-care (POC) diagnostics are particularly important in resource-limited settings. To ensure their sustainability, deployment and uptake by underserved communities, systemic, infrastructural, operational and logistical limitations need to be addressed.
An article in Science reports a co-polymer with both semiconducting and adhesive properties, which can effectively stick an organic electrochemical transistor (OECT)-based sensor to living tissues.
An article in Nature Communications reports that substitution of animal-based food by plant-based alternatives greatly reduces agricultural input use, greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity loss.
An article from Nature Biomedical Engineering reports the development of an infrared light-emitting cancer nanovaccine and two other nanoprobes for tracking the vaccine and the associated immune response.
To address inappropriate behaviour in the scientific community and nurture a culture of accountability, individuals must be empowered to speak up. Guidance on preventing and handling inappropriate behaviour at conferences, using case studies and checklists, to build a community that thrives on respect and inclusivity is presented.
An article in Science Robotics reports a soft robotic drug-delivery device that can sense and respond to the formation of scar tissue in real time to maintain its ability to deliver drugs long-term.
At the LV Prasad Eye Institute in India, we developed an ophthalmic electronic medical record and hospital management system, integrating clinical, surgical and operational functions in one platform to allow digital eye care services at the point of care.
The US Food and Drug Administration’s internal database of 510(k)-cleared medical devices was searched for additively manufactured devices cleared between 2010 and 2020. The information and analysis provided will assist the medical device community to further understand the application of additive manufacturing to regulated devices.
Bioengineers need to adopt holistic and human-centred design principles in the development of technologies intended for applications in low-resource settings, to overcome infrastructural limitations and ensure functionality in all environments.
Silk protein can be applied as an edible food coating to extend the shelf life of food products by slowing dehydration and reducing oxidative stresses. Here, we highlight the commercialization of Mori Silk, from lab discovery and first proof of concept to manufacturing, scale-up, field validation, regulatory approval and forward-looking challenges.
