Citizen Scientist Creates Artificial Organism with Swimming Ability and Skeleton
In a groundbreaking project, Justin from The Thought Emporium YouTube channel is pushing the boundaries of bioengineering by creating an artificial organism in his new lab. The goal of this project is to test how far a citizen scientist can go in the field of bioengineering. The ultimate aim is to create a swimming entity with a skeleton.
The project, known as the arti-fish-al organism, focuses on both the micro and macro scale. Justin explains that cells are like tiny nano-robots, following their built-in instructions to the best of their ability. At the multi-cellular level, the objective is to program something that can rhythmically actuate muscle tissue to sustain locomotion.
To create the living parts, Justin is using a technique called decellularization and recellularization. This method involves removing cells from their scaffolding and repopulating it with the desired type of cells, in this case, muscle cells. The cellular scaffolds retain their original shape, allowing whatever grows on them to determine their final form.
The Thought Emporium is continuously improving its protocol for this process. Once they have mastered the technique of turning a leaf into muscle fibers, the next step will be to create bones using a different cell line that will mineralize the scaffold. By optimizing these processes and combining the results, citizen bioengineers may be able to showcase the possibilities of this field.
This project also hints at a potential crossover with a neuron project that The Thought Emporium is working on. The combination of these two projects could lead to even more exciting developments in the field of bioengineering.
The implications of this research go beyond just creating artificial organisms. Regenerative medicine is also exploring similar techniques for the replacement of human body parts. The advancements made by citizen bioengineers like Justin could potentially revolutionize the field and open up new possibilities for medical treatments.
One intriguing aspect of this project is the potential for creating fish that can digest plastic. With the increasing concern over plastic pollution in our oceans, the ability to engineer organisms that can help clean up the environment would be a significant breakthrough.
As Justin continues to push the boundaries of bioengineering, the world eagerly awaits the results of his experiments. The Thought Emporium’s dedication to citizen science and their innovative approach to bioengineering may pave the way for a future where artificial organisms and regenerative medicine play a crucial role in improving human health and the environment.
What is the process of stripping away cells from a donor organism and repopulating the extracellular matrix with new cells called in the field of bioengineering?
Nd recellularization. This process involves stripping away the cells from a donor organism, leaving only the extracellular matrix, which is essentially the structural support of the tissue. Justin then introduces new cells, essentially “repopulating” the matrix, to create the desired artificial organism.
The swimming ability of the organism is achieved through the design of a skeleton. Justin explains that a skeleton is necessary for efficient propulsion through water, as it provides an anchor for muscle attachment and allows for coordinated movement. By creating a 3D-printed skeleton, Justin is able to give the artificial organism the structure it needs to swim.
The project is not without its challenges. Justin notes that it is difficult to control the behavior of the artificial organism, as it is a complex, living system. Additionally, there are ethical considerations surrounding bioengineering and the creation of new living entities.
Despite these challenges, Justin’s arti-fish-al organism shows great promise. Through ongoing experimentation and refinement, Justin hopes to understand more about bioengineering and what is possible for citizen scientists in this field. It is a testament to the power of curiosity and the drive to push boundaries in the pursuit of scientific knowledge.
This article sheds light on the groundbreaking work of citizen scientists in bioengineering, who are pushing the boundaries of innovation by creating an entirely artificial organism. A remarkable feat, this highlights the democratization of science and the immense potential it holds for further advancements in this field.
This article highlights the incredible potential of citizen science in pushing the boundaries of bioengineering. The creation of an artificial organism in a citizen scientist’s lab showcases the democratization of scientific progress and the power of collaboration. It’s exciting to see how everyday individuals are contributing to groundbreaking advancements in this field.