Sign up for CNN’s Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements, and more.
A new study reveals that scientists have created anthrobots – tiny, living robots made from human cells that have the potential to help heal wounds or damaged tissue. These anthrobots were developed by a team at Tufts University and Harvard University’s Wyss Institute and are based on previous work which resulted in the creation of xenobots from stem cells sourced from frog embryos.
Michael Levin, study author and professor of biology at Tufts’ School of Arts & Sciences, notes that the features of these living robots do not rely on their embryonic or amphibian nature. This suggests that the unique properties of these anthrobots are a more general characteristic of living things.
The research, published in the journal Advanced Science, introduces the anthrobots, which are not considered full-fledged organisms. The study emphasizes that these robots blur the traditional lines between plants, animals, and machines, challenging the way we classify and understand living organisms.
How are anthrobots made? Using adult human cells obtained from the trachea, researchers were able to encourage these cells to form moving clumps by adjusting their chemical composition and growth conditions. The cells, covered with hairlike projections called cilia, were coaxed to face outward on the organoids and began to move in a manner that resembled the oaring of a boat.
These anthrobots are unique in that they are self-assembling, growing from a single cell and taking different shapes and sizes, some spherical, others football-shaped, while exhibiting different modes of movement.
Research indicates that the anthrobots showed surprising behavior when tested on human neurons, suggesting promising medical applications. The structures encouraged the growth of damaged neuronal tissue, indicating potential healing properties, although the mechanism behind this behavior is not yet fully understood.
Scientists are excited about the wide-ranging applications of these biological robots, including their use in labs and potential future use within humans. The researchers do not perceive any ethical or safety concerns, emphasizing the controlled environment in which these anthrobots exist and their ability to biodegrade after a few weeks.
For more CNN news and newsletters, create an account at CNN.com.
