biotechnology

Thirty eight scientists from different specialties, including Craig Venter, a pioneer in the creation of artificial synthetic life, have written an article in the journal Science in which they assess the possibilities of synthesizing mirror organisms, but also warn of the risks they pose. This type of microorganisms, which would present a mirror structure to that currently found in nature, would have potential applications due to their resistance to biological degradation. However, they would also pose a danger because they would not be recognized by our defenses and could spread in ecosystems. Scientists call for more research and a broad debate, and warn that until more is known, this type of organism should not be created. 

Lithium, a material widely used for battery production, is typically extracted from rocks and concentrated brines, but these reserves are expected to run out by 2080. The alternative is to evaporate more diluted brines (such as seawater), but the traditional process is inefficient, polluting, and consumes large amounts of water. Two new studies published in Science propose two more viable and environmentally friendly alternative methods: the first uses a membrane that filters lithium through a transpiration system similar to that of plants, requiring only solar energy. The second combines electrodes to mimic a battery and move lithium from the brine (cathode) to fresh water (anode).

A team of researchers at Stanford University (USA) has developed a technique that makes animal tissues transparent in vivo and reversibly. Based on a food dye, they have tested it topically on mice. According to the authors, who publish their research in the journal Science, “this technology could make veins more visible for blood collection or help in the early detection and treatment of cancer”.

South Korean scientists have developed a type of matrix for growing meat that releases meat flavour compounds upon reaching cooking temperature. According to the researchers, who publish their results in the journal Nature Communications, the cultured and cooked meat has "a flavour pattern similar to that of grilled beef".

A multidisciplinary team of researchers has succeeded in developing different types of organoids from cells obtained from amniotic fluid. According to the authors, this breakthrough could help to better understand the later stages of development during pregnancy and to advance research into congenital anomalies. The study is published in the journal Nature Medicine.

Scientists have successfully developed pig embryos whose kidneys contain 50-60% human cells. Gestation was terminated at 25-28 days, and the organ structure was normal. According to the press release accompanying the article, "this is the first time that a solid humanised organ has been grown inside another species, although previous studies have used similar methods to generate human tissues". The results are published in the journal Cell Stem Cell. 

A US team has successfully integrated brain-like tissue derived from human stem cells into the brains of newborn rats. The research is published in the journal Nature.