Eel's glow as a test for human disease

David Pescovitz — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 16:54:32 +0000

The biology behind the green glow of Japanese freshwater eels could lead to new tests for jaundice and liver problems. RIKEN research institute scientists determined that a substance found in bile, bilirubin, is what triggers a protein in the eel, called UnaG (after unagi), to glow. Turns out, the amount of bilirubin in humans is a good indicator of liver health. Using a synthetic version of UnaG, the scientists could measure the bilirubin in a blood sample based on its glow. A similar technique may also aid in the study of tumors. "An eel's glow could illuminate liver disease" (Science News)

Porcupine barbs may inspire new IV needles

David Pescovitz — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 19:21:29 +0000

This is a microscopic image of a porcupine quill. Harvard medical researcher Jeffrey Karp and his colleagues are studying the quills to determine whether they might inspire a new design in hypodermic needles. According to their paper published today in PNAS, the barbs on the quill enable it to slide in smoothly but keep it in place, characteristics that would be useful in, say, an IV drip. (Smithsonian)

Boing Boing » biomimicry

Eel's glow as a test for human disease

Porcupine barbs may inspire new IV needles