DARPA is exploring the potential of growing large-scale biological structures (500+ meters) in microgravity, leveraging recent advances in metabolic engineering and biological self-assembly. The initiative aims to revolutionize space infrastructure by enabling the biological manufacturing of structures like space elevator tethers, orbital debris nets, and space station components.
Researchers have developed a blood test using nanosensors to detect pancreatic cancer in its early stages, achieving 73% accuracy in identifying cancer cases and 98% accuracy in identifying healthy individuals. The test detects specific enzymes called proteases that are active in tumors, offering a potential breakthrough for early detection of a disease that claimed 467,000 lives globally in 2022.
UCLA scientists have identified a molecule called PP405 that can reactivate dormant hair follicles, showing promising results in initial human trials. The treatment, backed by Google Ventures through Pelage Pharmaceuticals with $16.4 million in funding, aims to combat pattern hair loss that affects over half of men and one-fourth of women by age 50.