Each challenge is focused around a key set of forces driving innovation across industry, science, and culture today.

Hacking Biology

We now have the tools to control evolution. How will DIY biology improve our brains and our bodies, and what impacts will this have on society?

Moms’ “super-antibodies” point the way to new antibody medicines

Pregnancy bestows on babies enhanced antibodies that can protect against a broader range of disease. Now, we know how.

CRISPR could create a one-shot treatment for HIV

Researchers have used gene editing to engineer HIV-fighting immune cells inside the bodies of mice.

Is our world ready for mind-controllable robotic body parts?

Advanced neuroprosthetics are here, and they could hook our brains into the Internet of Things.

New drug combo is “a paradigm shift” in preventing asthma attacks

The combination of a rescue medication and a corticosteroid, taken as needed, reduced both short and long-term risk of asthma attacks.

Nanobots are real, and they can battle bacteria

Researchers have developed antibiotic nanobots that can traverse a wound on their own.

Ultrathin fuel cell uses the body’s own sugar to generate electricity

Batteries have a limit to how small they can be made, and they need to be charged. What if you could power your own medical device?

hospital-acquired infections

New tech could help prevent 2/3 of hospital-acquired infections

A new treatment could prevent hospital-acquired infections by making it hard for biofilms to form on implanted medical devices.

This already-approved drug could help repair the brain after stroke

Ohio State researchers have found that an already approved anticonvulsant drug helps increase stroke recovery in mice.

Series | Biohackers

I got a chip implanted in a biohacking garage

Underground “biohackers” are enhancing their bodies with tech implants. Freethink Director Chase Pipkin decided to try it out.

biohacking

Series | Biohackers

I got a chip implanted in a biohacking garage

biohacking

Series | Biohackers

The cyborg artist who hears color 6:13

Neil Harbisson was born colorblind. Now he has an antenna implant in his skill to hear color and create beautiful works of art.

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somatic mutations

Mutations in 16 species reveal clues to human aging

A surprising pattern in how often mammal cells undergo somatic mutations could be a boon to longevity research.

Build strength with only three seconds of weight lifting per day?

Researchers have found that a four-week program consisting of three seconds of weight lifting per day for five days a week boosts strength.

Stanford scientists can control specific brain cells at a distance

Using infrared light and a Nobel Prize-winning molecule that detects chili pepper heat, researchers can control brain cells from a distance.

bionic hand

Man builds his own bionic hand out of melted plastic bottles

After creating a bionic hand for himself, Peruvian engineer Enzo Romero launched a company to sell the low-cost prosthetics to others.

A shapeshifting volcano virus’s secret has been discovered

The secret to a shapeshifting volcano virus may help us create new, better drug and vaccine delivery platforms.

These upcoming cancer vaccines may prevent tumors before they appear

A new generation of preventative cancer vaccines for non-viral cancers are set to enter their first trials.

chronic pain relief

Psychedelics, brain implants, and the future of chronic pain relief

The future of chronic pain relief could include psychedelics, gene therapies, brain implants, and other cutting-edge alternatives to opioids.

Probiotic gut bacteria can produce a vital Parkinson’s drug

L-DOPA is a miraculous Parkinson’s drug with terrible side effects. Researchers have created drug-producing bacteria that may help.

CRISPR could create hypoallergenic cats

The results of a recent study found that genetically engineering cats could be a solution to eliminating cat allergies.

spinal cord stimulator

Bedridden woman stands again thanks to spinal implant

A spinal cord stimulator is helping a woman who was bedridden for 18 months because she fainted every time she stood up regain her mobility.

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