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Scientists created a cyborg stingray 

7/9/2016

1 Comment

 
Picture
The robotic ray beside a skate (Leucoraja erinacea). Credit: Karaghen Hudson
Picture
Credit: Karaghen Hudson & Michael Rosnach
Researchers have developed a new kind of synthetic creature, using the heart cells of a rat to make a robotic stingray that follows light.

Created by bioengineer Kit Parker from the Wyss Institute at Harvard University. 
The cyborg stingray, which weighs just 10 grams and is only about the size of a small coin, is made from a gold skeleton overlaid with a thin layer of stretchy polymer. This body, designed to emulate the shape and fins of a real ray, is coated in approximately 200,000 living rat heart cells, called cardiomyocytes.

These muscle cells were genetically engineered to respond to light cues, to prompt the fin movements that help propel the robot through water. When stimulated by light, the cardiomyocytes contract and push the fins downwards.

Source: sciencealert.com

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1 Comment
Adrian de Novato link
7/13/2016 03:55:58 pm

Rather interesting that Parker's ultimate goal is to build a better artificial heart, but the sting ray at the aquarium inspired him to develop something of a fun, engaging proof of concept.

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