Scientists at Tufts and Harvard have developed microscopic robots made from human cells that are capable of self-assembly and have a notable healing effect on other cells. These “biobots,” known as anthrobots, are created from lung cells and could potentially be used to travel through the human body, regenerating damaged tissues and treating diseases.
The anthrobots, ranging in size from the width of a human hair to the point of a sharpened pencil, were developed by a team of researchers who modified the chemical composition of lung cells. When the cilia on the surface of the cells were made to face outwards, the anthrobots began moving. When a cluster of anthrobots, known as a “superbot,” was introduced to damaged neuron cells, it was successful in promoting new growth.
Researchers believe that anthrobots could have potential applications in clearing blocked arteries, repairing spinal cords, identifying cancer cells, and delivering drugs to specific areas of the body. Their research published in the journal Advanced Science raises new inquiries into how human cells assemble and function together.
This breakthrough is significant as it establishes that cells do not necessarily have to be amphibian or embryonic to regenerate. Coauthor Michael Levin emphasizes that the anthrobots, although made from human cells, do not have a full life cycle and are not considered fully-fledged organisms. According to Levin, this discovery challenges the existing binary categories of living things and calls for a new perspective.
Though the use of anthrobots in medical practice may not be imminent, their development represents a notable advancement in medical technology. This progress is in line with the FDA’s approval of over 500 medical AI algorithms for diagnosis and treatment. The potential for using anthrobots in the future holds promise in the field of medical technology and raises exciting possibilities for the future.
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