New Device Could Predict Asthma Attacks

                Asthma patients may soon do away with their inhalers as researchers have developed an integrated, wearable system that monitors a user’s environment, heart rate and other physical attributes with the goal of predicting and preventing asthma attacks. They have tested the system in the lab and on a limited number of human subjects for proof of concept demonstration, and have confirmed that all of the sensors work, and that the system accurately compiles the data.

Scientists Propose to Build First Synthetic Human Genome

                A group of 25 scientists on 2 June proposed an ambitious project to create a synthetic human genome, or genetic blueprint, in an endeavour that is bound to raise concerns over the extent to which human life can or should be engineered. A synthetic human genome potentially could make it possible to create humans who lack biological planets raising the spectre, for instance, of made to order human beings with special genetic enhancements. The scientists said that was not their aim. They said potential applications from a synthetic human genome include: growing transplantable human organs; engineering immunity to viruses; engineering cancer resistance and accelerating vaccine and drug development using human cells and organs.

                The project aims to build such a synthetic genome and test it in cells in the laboratory within 10 years. The project, which arose after meeting of scientists in May at Harvard University, was unveiled in the journal Science. They acknowledged that their undertaking is controversial and said they would seek public involvement and the consideration of ethical, legal and social implications. They said they hoped to get $100 million in public and private funding to launch it this year and expect total costs of less than the $3 billion used for the original Human Genome Project that completely mapped human DNA for the first time in 2003. A synthetic genome would involve using chemicals to create the DNA present in human chromosomes.

A Bionic Leaf That Turns Sunlight Into Liquid Fuel

                Scientists have developed a bionic leaf that uses solar energy to split water molecules and hydrogen-eating bacteria to produce liquid fuels, that surpasses the efficiency of photosynthesis seen in fastest growing plants. Before, people were using artificial photosynthesis for water-splitting, but this is a true A-to-Z system, and we’ve gone well over the efficiency of photosynthesis in nature. While the study shows the system can be used to generate usable fuels, its potential does not end there.

                Dubbed “bionic leaf 2.0,” the new system builds on previous work by researchers – though was capable of using solar energy to make isopropanol – faced a number of challenges. Chief among those challenges was the fact that the catalyst used to produce hydrogen – a nickel molybdenum zinc alloy – also created reactive oxygen species, molecules that attacked and destroyed the bacteria’s DNA.

                To avoid that problem, researchers were forced to run the system at abnormally high voltages, resulting in reduced efficiency. They designed a new cobalt-phosphorus alloy catalyst, which they showed does not make reactive oxygen species. That allowed them to lower the voltage, and that led to a dramatic increase in efficiency. The system can now convert solar energy to biomass with 10% efficiency, far above the one percent seen in the fastest growing plants. In addition, researchers were able to expand the portfolio of the system to include isobutanol and isopentanol.

Wearable Kidney May Help Replace Dialysis

                A wearable artificial kidney may be a viable dialysis technology that can give people with end-stage kidney disease the freedom to move around during treatment, according to the results of a new clinical trial. The technology may become an alternative to conventional hemodialysis for people with end-stage kidney disease. Present-day treatment generally requires three sessions a week on a stationary machine that restricts patients’ ability to walk around while it is attached and running.

                In contrast, a wearable device would allow patients to be mobile and untethered. It could also provide additional benefits from longer sessions or more frequent days of dialysis. The clinical trial of a prototype for such a device was performed with seven patients at University of Washington Medical Centre in the US. The patients were treated with the device for up to 24 hours. The US Food and Drug Administration authorized trial was conducted to determine the safety and efficacy of the device. The device effectively cleared the blood of waste products, like urea, creatinine and phosphorous, while also removing excess water and salt.