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A single protein can reverse the developmental clock on adult brain cells called astrocytes, morphing them into stem-like cells that produce neurons and other cell types, UT Southwestern researchers report in a new study. The findings might someday lead to a way to regenerate brain tissue after disease or injury.
The paper discusses the significance of the newly designed voltage dependent calcium channel blockers. These channels facilitate the conversion of membrane electrical signals into Ca 2+ influx. This process helps in scenarios ranging from muscle contraction to synaptic transmission. These channel blockers are very important in aiding […]
Whole genome duplication (WGD) has occurred in relatively few sexually reproducing invertebrates. Consequently, the WGD that occurred in the common ancestor of horseshoe crabs ~135 million years ago provides a rare opportunity to decipher the evolutionary consequences of a duplicated invertebrate genome. Here, we present a high-quality genome assembly for the […]
“This paper presents a bioinspired landing system for autonomous aerial robots, built on the inspire–abstract–implement design paradigm and an additive manufacturing process for soft thermoplastic materials. This novel landing system consists of 3D printable Sarrus shock absorbers and soft landing pads which are integrated with an one-degree-of-freedom […]
This paper analyses how the microstructures and mechanical properties of horns can be related to different species’ fighting behaviours. 4 representative ruminant species: the bighorn sheep, domestic sheep, mountain goat and pronghorn were investigated. The mechanical properties of the horns under tensile stress […]
Physicists, chemists and immunologists at McMaster University have teamed up to modify red blood cells to transport viral agents which can safely trigger the immune system to protect the body against SARS-CoV-2, creating a promising new vehicle for vaccine delivery.
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This paper describes how Cephalopods are capable of blending in with their environments through multiple layers of skin. Their camoflauge is unique because they can mimic color, movement, texture, and light, allowing them to blend in to a greater extent.
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The paper looks at the affects of the geometrically designed body of the killer whale, manta ray, and swordfish on their abilities to swim just below the surface of the water. The fusiform shape of the killer whale, diamond shape of the manta ray, and streamline shape […]
Over the past few years, biogenic methods for designing silver nanocomposites are in limelight due to their ability to generate semi-healthcare and para-pharmaceutical consumer goods. The present study reports the eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles from the hitherto unexplored mucus of territorial snail Achatina fulica by the facile, clean and easily […]
Battery lifetimes are lowered because of instabilities at the boundary between the solid electrolyte layer and the two electrodes on either side. The article explores a method called sintering that eliminates carbon dioxide during manufacturing, which could greatly increase the performance of batteries.
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To monitor and navigate real-world environments, machines and robots should be able to gather images and measurements under different background lighting conditions. In recent years, engineers worldwide have thus been trying to develop increasingly advanced sensors, which could be integrated within robots, surveillance systems, or other technologies […]
Bats utilize bisonar and echolocation to locate, and subsequently, hunt moths. A study by PNAS utilized acoustic topography to discover that moths have a repeating pattern of scales on their wings. They found that when sound waves were directed towards the wings, the echoes that bounced off were much fainter. This […]
Masks that protect against SARS-CoV-2 virus can feel like a nuisance, especially while exercising.
A new 3D-printable mask design, inspired by animal noses, promises easy breathing for users while maintaining similar levels of protection against pathogens found in N95 and surgical masks. The general concept may also be useful for improving […]
Professor Brainerd and her research group combine anatomical studies of the musculoskeletal system with principles and techniques from engineering to understand the mechanical basis of movement in animals. Current projects include: biomechanics of the temporomandibular joint, muscle architecture, intercostal muscle function, and the development of a new 3D imaging technology, X-ray […]
This article describes a discovery that aims for safer vehicles. Another goal was for it to reduce congestion on the roads. It describes the Eporo robot car which is modeled on the schooling behavior of fish. This makes it easier to avoid collisions and concentric zones for […]
Mice with sloppy proteinmaking machinery grow old faster, study finds. Cells are continually cranking out new proteins, but like car factories, they produce some lemons. A study of mice now suggests these defective proteins speed aging, bolstering an idea first proposed 60 years ago. The new paper “fills a critical gap” […]
Suckerfish are known for hitchhiking on blue whales. Scientists recently discovered that suckerfish, contrary to previous belief, do not suction themselves to the bodies of blue whales. Instead, they hover above the whales’ skim that forms a low pressure zone that the suckerfish can ride effortlessly. This […]
In 2019, the BBC World Service launched a 30-part podcast about amazing animals and what we have learned from them. BBC’s 30 Animals That Made Us Smarter brings together the wonders of the animal kingdom with innovation and technology.
Each episode, hosted by biologist Patrick Aryee, lasts between 11 and 20 […]
Researchers from Duke University discovered that a sponge is a better incubator than a petri dish used in labs at providing the perfect environment for a great diversity of bacteria to thrive. It is not only that sponges are often dirty with food pieces left unwashed in there, it is also […]
Swimming speed of geometrically similar animals is independent of body size. Consequently, required time for a given period has direct correspondence to linear size of animals. In other words, stroke frequency is proportional to mass (f∝m^-1/3) or length (f∝l^-1) for energy efficient swimming.
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A long-standing goal of biology is the ability to predict gene expression from DNA sequence. A type of artificial intelligence known as a neural network, combined with high-throughput experiments, now brings this goal a step closer.
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This journal club covers CRISPR which is a genome-editing technology, its basic research uses, and real world applications. There are seminal papers that reveal the core concepts and key experiments in the foundational development of CRISPR to its use in treating genetic diseases and engineering agriculture. There will be guest speakers […]
Considering the many advances in computational biology that have yet to come, it is pertinent for scientists in this discipline to connect with colleagues of similar research interests. To facilitate communication with fellow scientists, the Center for Computational Biology Seminar Series invites professors from national and international research institutions to talk […]
The invertebrates ability to adapt to the environment during motion represents an intriguing feature to inspire robotic systems. We analysed the sipunculid speciesPhascolosoma stephensoni(Sipunculidae, Annelida), and quantitatively studied the motion behaviour of this unsegmented worm. The hydrostatic skeleton and the muscle activity make the infaunalP.stephensoniable to extrude part of its body […]
The PharmaSea, an EU-funded project, seeks to discover products that can cure infections and other diseases. They recently conducted this case study to determine which marine organisms are capable of producing biologically natural products to help treat human diseases. The results discovered in this case study are life-changing and can potentially […]
At this month’s Midday Science Cafe, we’ll learn about two new meat alternatives made from foods we already know and love: seaweed and mushrooms! First course: seaweed. Dr. Amanda Stiles from Berkeley Lab is researching ways to extract the protein from seaweeds and incorporate it into delicious new foods. The highly-digestible, […]
Hello everyone,
Do you ever wonder what happens to science once it leaves the lab? If you had the opportunity, would you want your voice to be part of the conversation?
Join the Science Policy Groups at UCSF and UC Berkeley for our first ever Science Ethics and Policy […]
Solar panels are usually made of thick solar cells, and are positioned at an angle to get the most amount of light from the sun as it moves throughout the day. Thin film solar cells, which can be only nanometers thick, have a lot of potential. These are cheaper and lighter, […]
Researchers from University of Plymouth and University of Exeter conducted a study where they tracked thermographic changes in captive juvenile pheasant flocks as they had spontaneous aggressive interactions during a short confinement time frame. The researchers used thermal cameras to observe the young pheasants and their temperature changes during aggressive interactions […]
Scientists are using lasers and a goggle-wearing parrot for the design of flying robots of the future.
A barely visible fog hangs in the air in a California laboratory, illuminated by a laser. And through it flies a parrot, outfitted with a pair of tiny, red-tinted goggles to protect its eyes.
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Researchers studying Mantis shrimp discovered that the shrimp’s hammer-like appendage can release a strike with a force over 1000 times its body weight. The appendage uses a system of latches, springs, and levers to release the blow. In addition to the initial strike, researchers discovered that a second round of energy […]
The ballistic projection of the chameleon tongue is an extreme example of quick energy release in the animal kingdom. It relies on a complicated physiological structure and an elaborate balance between tissue elasticity, collagen fibre anisotropy, active muscular contraction, stress release and geometry. A general biophysical model for the dynamics of […]
This internship is a summer R&D position for students who are interested in Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, or Fermentation. The position is open to both sophomores and juniors. It’s a paid internship for 12 weeks, but interns must be able to relocate to Minneapolis, MN area and work in person.
Learn about our two Decals!
Click here to find out more about our Fall Bioinspired Design Decal and our Spring Bioinspired Design in Action Decal – ALL MAJORS are welcome.Berkeley BioDesign Community
Click here to learn about the BioD: Bio-Inspired Design @ Berkeley student organization or here to signup for more info.
I imagine that the neurological circuits underlying these processes are governed by both 2d spacing maps with their brains as…
to reduce the impact of car accidents, it may be possible to study the force diverting physics of cockroaches to…
you see this type of head-bobbing stability in many avian creatures related to pigeons like chickens. the head ability to…
not like they taught horses how to run! this is an example of convergent evolution where both sea creatures and…
The brain functions in a similar way with neuronal connections. our brains are able to utilize the multiplicity of connections…