Biotechnology, Health, Bioengineering, Genetics

Inside the Effort to Bring Life-Saving Cell Therapies to the Masses

This small-scale bioreactor is the model for how cell manufacturing exists on the industrial scale. (Credit: Rob Felt, Georgia Tech)

Dec 09, 2016 - Atlanta, GA

A new Georgia Tech effort aims at developing technologies for manufacturing therapeutic cells.

Buzzing the Vagus Nerve Just Right to Fight Inflammatory Disease

A vagus nerve implant with two electrodes - one to apply desired stimulation going down into the body, the other to block unwanted stimulation going up to the brain. Georgia Tech / Rob Felt

Jan 05, 2017 - Atlanta, GA

An electric buzz to the vagus can fight chronic inflammation -- this fine-tune makes it even better.

Biophysics Plays Key Role in Immune System Signaling, Response

Understanding the biophysical cues provided by pathogenic particles may help vaccine developers fine tune the signals they already knew were being transmitted by the molecular information presented to the immune system. The research could provide a new tool for vaccine developers, said Krishnendu Roy, the Robert A. Milton Chair and professor in the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory University. (Credit: Rob Felt, Georgia Tech)

Jan 17, 2017 - Atlanta, GA

Understanding the biophysical cues provided by pathogenic particles may help fine tune vaccines.

Microgel Composite Could Overcome Fibrin Blockade to Accelerate Healing

$Visualization shows the microgel network architecture in fibrin–microgel composite materials. Confocal microscopy images of fluorescently labeled microgels (shown in blue and red) and fibrin (shown in green) demonstrate that at a critical volume fraction, the microgels form an interconnected tunnel network within the fibrous fibrin matrix. Microgels are tightly packed and only slightly jiggle around within the microgel domains. (Credit: Alison Douglas)$

Jan 26, 2017 - Atlanta, GA

Researchers have combined microgels with robust polymer networks to create a new repair material.

Cholera Bacteria Stab and Poison Enemies so Predictably

Physicist Peter Yunker applies mathematical equations to enemy colonies of dueling cholera bacteria to accurately predict the speed dynamics of their phase separation into divided territories, a process similar to the separation of oil and water. The equations were originally used to describe phase separate in materials, namely mixed metals (Model A equations). Credit: Georgia Tech / Rob Felt

Feb 06, 2017 - Atlanta, GA

The actions of bacteria locked in battle are nearly as calculable as a chemical reaction.

Size Matters for Marine Protected Areas Designed to Aid Coral

Fishes and healthy coral show the benefits of marine protected areas designed to protect reef ecosystems. (Credit: Cody Clements, Georgia Tech)

Feb 06, 2017 - Atlanta, GA

For marine protected areas established to help coral reefs recover from overfishing, size really does seem to make a difference.

DNA “Barcoding” Allows Rapid Testing of Nanoparticles for Therapeutic Delivery

Close-up image shows a microfluidic chip used to fabricate nanoparticles that could be used to deliver therapeutic genes to specific organs of the body. Colored liquids have been added to highlight the channels. (Credit: Rob Felt, Georgia Tech)

Feb 07, 2017 - Atlanta, GA

Researchers have developed a new technique for rapidly screening the ability of nanoparticles to selectively deliver therapeutic genes to specific organs of the body.

Stem Cell Treatment May Restore Vision to Patients with Damaged Corneas