June 15, 2022 Bioengineering Study in Nature outlines how in vitro and in vivo (mouse model), specific white blood cells (B-Cells) can be genetically programmed to produce anti-HIV antibodies thus offer a one-time treatment for the disease. Long way to go but elegant study design.
March 25, 2022 Bioengineering Early days but nonetheless intriguing; UBC scientists discover how to 3D print testicular cells
November 30, 2021 Bioengineering Kinematic-replicating xenobots constructed from frog embryonic cells. A fascinating window into how organizing cells in a specific configuration leads to a replicative behaviour not seen in cells or organisms.
August 19, 2021 Bioengineering Cancer patients’ own glioblastoma cells used in 3d bioprinting to develop living model to test efficacy of potential treatments prior to in vivo use. Still early days but very cool if succeeds and is adapted for clinical use. #GoScience
February 3, 2021 Bioengineering Excellent review of myths of enlisting more companies to make mRNA vaccine by @DerekLowe. Bespoke machines, processes & tech, multiple supply chains, a myriad of Sci & Eng expertise & steps needed before mass production. Many pharma companies can’t do it.
May 28, 2020 Allergy/Immunology The irony of claims of SARS-CoV-2 being a bacterium going viral. And, claims of antibody being a “cure” for Covid-19 are a tad premature when you have not done any animal or human trials to date. Good science but take the time to prove your claim.
February 3, 2020 Bioengineering CAR-T therapy has its successes for treating leukemias and other blood cancers but please do not sell it in press releases with testimonials that do not cite the serious side effects of treatment.
November 4, 2019 Bioengineering Must-listen-to podcast reveals the greed behind the unsubstantiated claims of stem cell treatments in the U.S. that have harmed patients
April 16, 2019 Bioengineering Proof-of-concept succeeds in producing functional 3D-printed heart tissue and anatomical architecture but clinical application requires many trials in animal models before considering human ones.