Animal research are notoriously unhealthy at figuring out human therapies. Round 95% of the medication developed by animal analysis fail in individuals, however till lately there was no different choice.

Now organs on chips, also referred to as microphysiological methods, could supply a really viable different. They’re triumphs of bioengineering, intricate constructions furrowed with tiny channels which are lined with residing human tissues that develop and contract with the move of fluid and air, mimicking key organ features like respiratory, blood move, and peristalsis, the muscular contractions of the digestive system.

It’s solely early days, but when they work as hoped, organs on chips might resolve one of many greatest issues in drugs at the moment. Learn the total story.

—Harriet Brown

This story is from the forthcoming print challenge of MIT Expertise Assessment, which explores the theme of Play. It’s set to go dwell on Wednesday June 26, so in case you don’t already, subscribe now to get a duplicate when it lands.

How underwater drones might form a possible Taiwan-China battle

A possible future battle between Taiwan and China could be formed by novel strategies of drone warfare involving superior underwater drones and elevated ranges of autonomy, based on a brand new war-gaming experiment by the suppose tank Middle for a New American Safety (CNAS). 

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, drones have been aiding in what navy specialists describe as the primary three steps of the “kill chain”—discovering, focusing on, and monitoring a goal—in addition to in delivering explosives. Drones like these could be far much less helpful in a attainable invasion of Taiwan. As a substitute, a battle with Taiwan would seemingly make use of undersea and maritime drones to scout for submarines. Learn the total story.