3D Printer Creates a Skull and Saves a Life!

3D printing technology has saved a life!  A skull created by a 3D printer has been used in a human.  Check out this link for details and a look at the transplant surgery.
 3D Printed Skull Transplant

 Can you imagine other applications for this technology?  

An Origami Microscope That Works???

You have to see this!

Scientist Manu Prakash and his team have invented fully functional microscopes made out of paper.  These microscopes are durable, water proof and can fit into your pocket!  Best of all they cost about 50 cents to make!  Incredible!

Think about how this could enhanced medical care in developing countries and inspire young scientists!

Biohacking - What Do You Think?

Do It Yourself Biology??  Biologist Ellen Jorgensen and her colleagues have opened Genspace, a nonprofit DIYbio lab in Brooklyn.  In this scientifically creative space amateurs can go and experiment with biotechnology.  The spread of DIYbio has sparked some controversy.  Watch, listen and see what you think. 

Testing your Pee - There's An App For That!!

There is an app that can test your urine for health problems.  The UChek app was developed by Mumbai’s Myshkin Ingawale and uses your smartphone’s camera to test colour changes in your urine at set points in the day.  No need to fret if you don’t have an iPhone – an Android version is in the works!  Check out the details - UChek Urinalysis

A 'New' Knee Ligament Found!

 A great example of how we are continually learning about the anatomy and physiology of the human body! Knee surgeons in Belgium suggest that they have identified a new ligament in the knee (anterolateral ligament).  Surgeons have long suspected that, in addition to the 4 main ligaments in the knee others must exist in order to provide the stability that we see in our knee joints.  Think about all of the textbooks that may have to be changed!   A New Knee Ligament Found!

Thanks to Taylor (GHS student) for suggesting this post!  :)

A New Way to Grow Bone Tissue

Watch this talk by scientist Molly Stevens as she explains a new way to grow bone tissue within people by stimulating stem cells found in the periosteum.  The process can also be used to grow cartilage.

Worth watching!

Manipulating Memory???

 Two scientists from MIT suggest that they have discovered a means by which memories can be pinpointed and manipulated in living mice by shooting a laser beam into their brains. As you watch this interesting and entertaining talk (these two scientists are actually engaging) note the number of concepts mentioned that you have discussed in your Psychology and Human Biology courses (ie. memory formation, brain anatomy, receptors, stimuli).

Can you imagine if we were able to do this sort of thing in the human brain???