1. New paper from my research group! Spatially controlled construction of assembloids using bioprinting

Growing cells into large clusters called organoids is a great way to see how different cells interact with eachother. But it’s hard to get multiple types of organoids to grow at the same time and in a pattern that’s relevant. This makes it hard to study how different types of cells interact.

This paper solves that problem by growing the organoids separately, then coating them with iron particles, picking them up with a magnet, and moving them next to the other organoid.

2. Artificial intelligence meets medical robotics

• Some experts’ thoughts about how AI can play a role in medicine.

3. Gene therapy eyedrops restored a boy's sight.

• A “compassionate use” gene therapy treats a boy’s rare genetic disease causing his blindness. A couple of eye drops and he can see again.

4. A food company starts commercializing its 3D bioprinting tech

• Companies everywhere are trying to print out meat grown in the lab.

• It might gross you out now, but lab-made meat is just the same cells and proteins that normally makeup meat, minus the animals.

5. The ethics of animal research

• Last week, one of you sent in a thoughtful comment about the ethics of animal research in medical science. I appreciate your perspective and you taking the time to explain your thoughts and position. The ethics of animal research are contentious and worth exploring.

• Organs on a chip

  • Cool video. A new technology growing “mini-organs” on microchips with the goal of better testing diseases without using animals.

• The Ethics of Animal Experimentation - HOPES Stanford

  • Common arguments for and against animal research.

• Is it time to replace one of the cornerstones of animal research? 

  • A conversation with an animal ethicist on updating the “best practices” used in animal research.