'They're Using Pee for Implants Now': Scientists Unveil Shocking Tech That Turns Human Urine Into Bone and Tooth Replacements
to convert human urine into valuable hydroxyapatite for medical applications. 🌿 This innovation addresses environmental concerns by removing excess nutrients from wastewater, preventing damage to water systems.
💰 The process opens up a $3.5 billion market opportunity by producing a key material for bone and dental implants.
market opportunity by producing a key material for bone and dental implants. 🌍 The scalable and cost-effective method makes advanced medical materials accessible globally, benefiting developing economies.
In a groundbreaking development, scientists have harnessed the power of synthetic yeast to convert human urine into a valuable resource for medical applications. This innovative process not only addresses the environmental challenges posed by excess nutrients in wastewater but also taps into a burgeoning $3.5 billion medical market. By transforming urine into hydroxyapatite, a mineral critical for bone and dental implants, researchers are revolutionizing how we view waste and resource management. This advancement underscores the potential for sustainable practices in addressing global health needs, while simultaneously providing economic opportunities in the medical industry. Tackling Two Problems with One Process
The ingenious process developed by researchers from the University of California, Irvine, achieves a dual purpose. As Professor David Kisailus explains, it helps mitigate environmental pollution by removing human urine from wastewater streams, while simultaneously producing a commercially valuable material. Urine's high nutrient load can damage water systems if untreated, posing significant environmental risks. However, the synthesized process neutralizes these risks, converting the waste into hydroxyapatite, a substance expected to reach a market value of $3.5 billion by 2030. This dual-benefit approach not only addresses immediate environmental concerns but also opens up new avenues for economic growth and sustainability.
Scientists Stumble Onto Miracle Material That Instantly Harvests Drinking Water from Air With Zero Energy or Filters Synthetic Yeast Mimics Natural Bone-Building Cells
In nature, bone-forming cells known as osteoblasts are responsible for producing hydroxyapatite by extracting calcium phosphate from body fluids. However, these cells cannot support industrial-scale production. To overcome this limitation, scientists have engineered a synthetic yeast strain, termed 'osteoyeast,' that mimics the activity of osteoblasts. This yeast efficiently breaks down urea to increase the pH, thereby facilitating the accumulation of calcium and phosphate. Consequently, these elements crystallize into hydroxyapatite, which is then secreted from the cell. The result is a highly efficient process, yielding up to 1 gram of hydroxyapatite per liter of urine, thereby making large-scale production feasible.
'Tesla Is Over': This New Electric Car With a Miracle Battery Promises 930 Miles of Range and Shocks the Entire Auto Industry Scalable, Low-Cost, and Globally Accessible
One of the most striking features of this innovation is its scalability and cost-effectiveness. As David Kisailus points out, the process to yield hydroxyapatite takes less than a day, using inexpensive yeast that can be cultivated in large vats at low temperatures. This method is akin to the fermentation processes used in brewing beer, suggesting it can be easily scaled without significant infrastructural investments. Such accessibility is crucial for developing economies where high-tech manufacturing capabilities may be limited. By democratizing the production of advanced medical materials, this innovation has the potential to improve healthcare outcomes across the globe, making cutting-edge medical interventions available to a wider audience.
Japan Stuns the World with 310,000-Ton Oil Behemoth That Shatters Records and Reinvents the Future of Energy Transport From Waste Stream to Multifunctional Future
Hydroxyapatite is renowned for its lightweight, strong, and durable properties, making it ideal for implants and restorations. However, the research team envisions even broader applications. Collaborating with Professor Yasuo Yoshikuni from Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, they aim to develop new materials for energy-based applications using the yeast platform. By combining this technology with 3D printing and structural expertise, they are working towards creating multifunctional architected materials that could revolutionize various industries. Supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and other agencies, this project highlights the potential for innovative, sustainable solutions to global challenges.
This remarkable innovation in converting waste into valuable resources poses an intriguing question: As we continue to unlock the potential of synthetic biology, what other unexpected sources might we tap into for sustainable solutions to the world's pressing challenges?
Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article.
Did you like it? 4.5/5 (22)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
France 24
3 hours ago
- France 24
New cancer plan urged as survival improvements in England slow
The study, conducted by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, measured the survival index for 10.8 million adults diagnosed with cancer between 1971 and 2018, accounting for variables like age, sex, and cancer type. It found substantial improvements over the 48-year period, with the five-year survival index increasing from 28.8 percent in 1971–72 to 56.6 percent in 2018. However, the pace of progress has slowed in recent years. The 10-year survival index improved by four percent between 2000–01 and 2005–06 and only 1.4 percent between 2010–11 and 2015–16. The slowdown since 2010 "is likely to be at least partly explained by longer waits for diagnosis and treatment," said the report. The deceleration has been observed across many individual cancers, "implying a system-wide challenge," said the study, funded by the Cancer Research UK charity. Most notably, the 10-year survival index for breast, cervix, rectum, prostate, testis, and uterus cancers plateaued in the last 10–15 years, while the index for larynx cancers decreased. Pancreatic cancer survival, at 4.3 percent in 2018, has shown minimal change since 1971–72. The study calls for a "new, long-term National Cancer Plan" to "bring cancer survival trends back towards the best in the world". National cancer strategies have been part of health policy in England and Wales since 2000. The fourth national cancer strategy was published in 2015 but is now considered outdated as the current trajectory has failed to match its ambitious targets. Plans for a fifth plan were withdrawn in January 2023, "leaving England as one of the few high-income countries in which a national cancer plan was not a central pillar of national health policy," said the report.
Sustainability Times
18 hours ago
- Sustainability Times
"They Found A Virus Hiding In Her DNA": Doctors Shocked As Beta-HPV Drives Aggressive Skin Cancer Until Stem Cell Transplant Saves Her Life
IN A NUTSHELL 🔬 Researchers found beta-HPV can integrate into DNA, directly promoting skin cancer growth. can integrate into DNA, directly promoting skin cancer growth. 🧬 The study focused on a 34-year-old woman with recurrent cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma . . 🤝 A collaborative medical approach led to a successful bone marrow stem cell transplant for treatment. for treatment. 💡 The findings suggest new avenues for personalized cancer treatments targeting viral factors in immunocompromised patients. A groundbreaking study has unveiled new insights into the role of the human papillomavirus (HPV) in the development of certain skin cancers. Previously, beta-HPV was considered a minor player in cancer progression, primarily exacerbating UV-induced damage. However, recent findings indicate that this virus can integrate itself into cellular DNA, directly promoting cancer growth. This revelation emerged from a detailed examination of a 34-year-old woman affected by recurrent cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) on her forehead. The discovery that beta-HPV can hijack the body's cells to sustain cancer growth signals a significant shift in our understanding of viral contributions to cancer. Unveiling the Mechanism of Cancer Development The study centered on a young woman who faced persistent cSCC despite undergoing multiple treatments, including surgeries and immunotherapy. Researchers delved into the genetic makeup of her tumors, uncovering that beta-HPV had not only infiltrated her DNA but was also producing viral proteins that facilitated cancer's resilience and growth. This marked the first time beta-HPV was observed integrating into cellular DNA, challenging previous assumptions about its role in cancer. Immunologist Andrea Lisco from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) highlighted the broader implications of this finding. It suggests that there could be more cases of aggressive cSCC linked to underlying immune defects, which might be better addressed through treatments targeting the immune system rather than conventional methods. Asteroid Impact 'It's Not Sci-Fi Anymore' Research Led by Carrie Nugent Compares Odds to Lightning, Rabies, and Car Crashes—Public Left Reeling The woman's condition underscored a critical aspect of the study: her inherited immune disorder, specifically an issue with the ZAP70 protein, hampered her T cells' ability to combat HPV. While her immune system could still repair UV-induced DNA damage, the impairment allowed beta-HPV to invade and trigger cancer. Her case illustrates the complex interplay between viruses, immune function, and cancer development. A Collaborative Approach to Treatment Upon identifying the viral integration, the patient received a bone marrow stem cell transplant aimed at replacing her faulty T cells with functional ones. This intervention proved successful, resolving her aggressive skin cancer and other HPV-related issues. Over a three-year follow-up, none of her conditions recurred, highlighting the potential of personalized, targeted treatments. Scientists Warn 'These Ice Quakes Could Shatter' After Detecting Mysterious Deep Tremors In Greenland's Frozen Rivers 'This discovery and successful outcome would not have been possible without the combined expertise of virologists, immunologists, oncologists, and transplant specialists,' Lisco noted. The interdisciplinary effort was crucial in navigating the complexities of the patient's condition and devising an effective treatment strategy. While UV radiation remains a well-known cause of skin cancer, this case underscores that other factors, such as viral infections, can also play a significant role, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems. The study's findings advocate for a more nuanced understanding of cancer etiology and the development of tailored treatment approaches. 'This Changes Everything': Scientists Unearth Pristine Ancient Forest Frozen For Thousands Of Years In Rocky Mountains Lessons from Related Viral Diseases The success of vaccination programs against alpha-HPV, which is responsible for many cervical and throat cancers, provides a hopeful perspective. These efforts have led to a substantial decline in deaths from such cancers, emphasizing the impact of targeted preventive measures. The parallels between alpha-HPV and beta-HPV suggest that similar strategies could be beneficial in managing virus-associated skin cancers. While the prospect of a universal cure for cancer remains distant, the ongoing advancements in understanding the molecular and viral underpinnings of various cancer types are promising. The new research on beta-HPV contributes to this growing body of knowledge, potentially paving the way for more effective interventions for cSCC and beyond. The Future of Cancer Treatment As research continues to unravel the intricate relationships between viruses, immune function, and cancer, the medical community is prompted to reconsider treatment paradigms. This study highlights the importance of recognizing viral factors in cancer development, especially in immunocompromised individuals. It raises the question of how personalized medicine can be further integrated into standard cancer care. With the findings published in The New England Journal of Medicine, the study opens new avenues for research and treatment. As we advance in our understanding of cancer's multifaceted nature, the question remains: how can we best leverage these insights to improve outcomes for patients with diverse genetic and immunological backgrounds? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (26)
Sustainability Times
18 hours ago
- Sustainability Times
"They Saw 200 Sharks Swarming Lava Vent": Scientists Warn Underwater Volcano Near Oregon Could Erupt And Devastate Pacific Marine Life
IN A NUTSHELL 🌋 The Axial Seamount is an underwater volcano off the Oregon coast, expected to erupt before the year ends. is an underwater volcano off the Oregon coast, expected to erupt before the year ends. 🔬 Scientists use the Ocean Observatories Initiative to monitor volcanic activity with over 140 instruments. to monitor volcanic activity with over 140 instruments. 🐠 Hydrothermal vents created by the eruption provide nutrients, supporting a unique marine ecosystem based on chemical energy. based on chemical energy. 📊 Research on Axial Seamount enhances understanding of volcanic forecasting and its impact on marine life. An impending underwater eruption is capturing the attention of scientists and marine enthusiasts alike. The Axial Seamount, an underwater volcano located approximately 300 miles off the coast of Oregon, is anticipated to erupt before the year concludes. Lying a mile beneath the ocean's surface, this volcano has erupted three times over the past three decades, with the last eruption occurring in 2015. While its remote location shields humans from direct impacts, the seismic activity and resulting hydrothermal vents significantly influence marine ecosystems. This unique geological event presents an opportunity to enhance our understanding of underwater volcanic activity. Understanding the Axial Seamount Axial Seamount, a prominent underwater volcano, has been a focal point for scientific research due to its regular activity and accessibility for observation. Situated in the Pacific Ocean, this volcano's caldera is mapped using advanced technology, allowing scientists to monitor changes in its structure over time. The seamount's location, far from human habitation, makes it an ideal natural laboratory for studying volcanic processes without immediate risk to human life. Bill Chadwick, a research associate at Oregon State University, has been at the forefront of forecasting the seamount's eruptions. His research focuses on the cycles of inflation and deflation that precede volcanic eruptions. As magma accumulates beneath the seafloor, it causes the ground to swell, much like a balloon inflating. This predictable pattern has allowed scientists to anticipate eruptions, though the specific timing remains uncertain. Chadwick's work builds on past successes and acknowledges the inherent uncertainties in volcanic forecasting. 'China Just Punched A 10-Kilometer Scar Into Earth': Engineers Hunt Ancient Cretaceous Secrets Beneath Crushing Heat And Rock Pressure The Role of Hydrothermal Vents One of the most fascinating aspects of underwater volcanic activity is the formation of hydrothermal vents. These vents, akin to hot springs on the ocean floor, release superheated water and minerals into the surrounding environment. As seawater percolates through cracks in the volcanic rock, it is heated to over 700 degrees Fahrenheit, creating plumes of black smoke rich in nutrients. These nutrient-rich vents form the basis of a unique ecosystem, where microbes thrive on the chemical reactions occurring in the vent fluids. These microbes, in turn, support a diverse array of marine life, from symbiotic relationships to predator-prey dynamics. The ecosystem surrounding hydrothermal vents is distinct from those found in sunlit waters, relying on chemical energy instead of sunlight for sustenance. The eruption of Axial Seamount is expected to alter the vent landscape, temporarily disrupting, but ultimately rejuvenating, these underwater communities. 'NASA Just Armed A Rocket On Mars': Historic First Launch Set To Blast Off From Red Planet's Surface For Return To Earth Monitoring and Forecasting Volcanic Activity Monitoring the Axial Seamount involves a sophisticated network of sensors and instruments, collectively known as the Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI). Funded by the National Science Foundation, the OOI employs over 140 pieces of equipment, including pressure sensors, to detect changes in the seamount's activity. These instruments are connected by an extensive cable system, transmitting data from the seafloor to researchers onshore. The ability to forecast volcanic eruptions months or even years in advance is a significant scientific achievement. While predicting eruptions days or hours ahead is more common, the remote location and comprehensive monitoring capabilities of Axial Seamount enable long-term forecasting efforts. Chadwick describes this as a safe environment for experimentation, where false alarms do not pose immediate threats to human safety or economic activities. This ongoing research contributes to the global understanding of underwater volcanic activity. Scientists Warn 'These Ice Quakes Could Shatter' After Detecting Mysterious Deep Tremors In Greenland's Frozen Rivers Implications for Marine Life and Future Research The eruption of Axial Seamount, while a natural phenomenon, holds significant implications for marine life. The disruption of hydrothermal vents can lead to temporary habitat loss for some species, while others may benefit from the changing landscape. Understanding these ecological dynamics is crucial for marine conservation efforts and provides insight into how life adapts to extreme environments. Future research will continue to focus on refining forecasting techniques and exploring the long-term impacts of underwater volcanic activity on marine ecosystems. As scientists strive to unravel the complexities of these natural events, questions remain about the factors influencing eruption patterns and the resilience of vent communities. The Axial Seamount serves as a powerful reminder of the dynamic nature of our planet and the intricate connections between geological and biological processes. The anticipated eruption of the Axial Seamount highlights the intricate interplay between geological activity and marine ecosystems. As researchers continue to monitor and study this underwater volcano, they seek to answer fundamental questions about the processes driving volcanic eruptions and their impact on marine life. How will advancements in technology and scientific understanding further enhance our ability to predict and mitigate the effects of these natural phenomena? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (25)
