Trypto Fan | Good CRISPRol | Fantastic Plastic

I feel fortunate in having a lot to be thankful for, so here are a few less-traditional things of appreciation:

• tardigrade coffee mug

• local pigeons

• st3v-o-lantern

What are some non-traditional things you’re thankful for?

-Steve

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Trypto Fan

Scientists developed a hydrogel that could revolutionize human tissue repair. Trpzip’s antimicrobial and self-healing qualities make it ideal for 3D-bioprinting.

• Trpzip = building blocks of proteins capable of mimicking natural tissue

• Nicknamed after “tryptophan zippers”, its self-assembling amino acids

• Discovered using computer simulations

Trpzip offers an alternative to natural materials that require animal harvesting and can cause immune reactions. Next up, figuring out where on the body it can be tested in clinical trials. Plus: well-timed trypto-trivia for Thanksgiving!

Tissue issue

Good CRISPRol

Researchers used CRISPR to successfully lower cholesterol. The technology was tested on 10 people with high LDL levels despite taking cholesterol-lowering meds.

• CRISPR = Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats

• Base editing inactivated liver gene PCSK9 associated with controlling LDL

• Reduced LDL levels by up to 55%

Early results provide hope for the millions with hereditary high cholesterol. Though more research is needed to ensure long-term safety and uncover potential side-effects of the permanent genome edit. But what if we call it gene tailoring?

Not to be confused with the very temporary, jean editing

Fantastic Plastic

A new plastic, VPR, can reassemble itself into an origami crane. Though researchers have bigger plans for the eco-friendly material.

• Created by adding polyrotaxane to common vitrimer plastics

• Making VPR 5x stronger and 2x faster at self repair

• Returns to previous shape in 60 sec at 150°C

Despite its strength, VPR is easily broken down by a specific recycling solvent. Providing a slightly greener alternative to our global addiction to plastics. And material for really cool origami tricks.

See the plastic crane

Unnatural Selection

Last week: “Which would you rather have as a space pet?”

Ok, but can we still use a hamster ball? Probably the most “made-for-space” pet accessory ever created.

st3v on site

Origami Crane

After learning how to make an origami crane, st3v is excited to expand his folding skills. Next up, birds!

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