The Obtain: Changing animal testing, and underwater drones

Animal research are notoriously unhealthy at figuring out human therapies. Round 95% of the medicine developed by animal analysis fail in folks, however till lately there was no different choice.

Now organs on chips, often known as microphysiological programs, might supply a really viable various. They’re triumphs of bioengineering, intricate constructions furrowed with tiny channels which are lined with dwelling human tissues that increase and contract with the stream of fluid and air, mimicking key organ capabilities like respiration, blood stream, and peristalsis, the muscular contractions of the digestive system.

It’s solely early days, but when they work as hoped, organs on chips may clear up one of many largest issues in drugs at present. Learn the complete story.

—Harriet Brown

This story is from the forthcoming print difficulty of MIT Expertise Assessment, which explores the theme of Play. It’s set to go stay on Wednesday June 26, so in the event you don’t already, subscribe now to get a replica when it lands.

How underwater drones may form a possible Taiwan-China battle

A possible future battle between Taiwan and China can be formed by novel strategies of drone warfare involving superior underwater drones and elevated ranges of autonomy, in accordance with a brand new war-gaming experiment by the assume tank Middle for a New American Safety (CNAS). 

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, drones have been aiding in what army specialists describe as the primary three steps of the “kill chain”—discovering, concentrating on, and monitoring a goal—in addition to in delivering explosives. Drones like these can be far much less helpful in a attainable invasion of Taiwan. As a substitute, a battle with Taiwan would doubtless make use of undersea and maritime drones to scout for submarines. Learn the complete story.