Blogs

According to foreign media reports, a research team at Harvard University recently used mouse heart cells combined with breast augmentation silica gel to create an amazing “living body”robot.

The robot looks, bends and swims very much like a stingray. It consists of four main layers: a silicone matrix that forms the body, a skeletal system made of gold wires, a second layer of silicone that insulates the bones, and 200,000 genetically engineered mouse heart cells.

When exposed to specific wavelengths of light, the cells start to shrink, mimicking the swimming motion of a stingray. In addition, this “biological life form” can automatically follow the light source as it swims in a nutrient-rich solution (which keeps the cells alive), allowing it to be controlled remotely.

Such biobots are currently unable to survive outside of the laboratory. Even though it does not require special nutrient solutions, since mouse cells do not have an immune system, they are immediately attacked by bacterial and fungal pathogens in a non-sterile environment. But Kit Parker, lead researcher on the project, said he hopes the research will lead others to develop complete, genetically engineered hearts.

“Robotics and engineers can discover different ways to use biological cells as building materials,” Parker said in an interview with the media. “Marine biologists can better understand why muscle tissue under light is built in a certain way. and permutations.” (Original Author: Andrew Tarantola, Compiler: Sean)