Digital Commons Network^™

Federated Learning-Driven Iot And Edge Cloud Networks For Smart Wheelchair Systems In Assistive Robotics, Mazin Abed Mohammed, Mohd Khanapi Abd Ghani, Abdullah Lakhan, Bourair Al-Attar, Waleed Khaled

Iraqi Journal for Computer Science and Mathematics

These days, assistive robotics and their applications for people with disabilities have become a revolutionary field in medical care. It combines edge-cutting technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), edge computing networks, and federated learning, offering the best services to disabled people for mobility and navigation in the environment. However, in the state of the art, many conceptual models are presented, and less effort is put into the practical implementation of assistive robots for disabled people in the environment. With this motivation, we propose an intelligent assistive robotics wheelchair system that enhances disabled care in federated learning-enabled IoT and …

Comparative Evaluation Of Bacterial Adhesion And Biofilm Formation On Contact Lenses, Lina M. Shaker, Wan Nor Roslam Wan Isahak

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

This study evaluates bacterial adhesion, biofilm formation, and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (ATCC 25923) colonization on medical and cosmetic contact lenses made from Hilafilcon B and Omafilcon B under simulated ocular conditions. Non-incubated lenses served as controls, and experiments were repeated three times with a variability margin of ±5%, ensuring accuracy and reliability. Results revealed that biofilm growth and bacterial adhesion were influenced by lens material, type, and incubation duration. Cosmetic lenses made from Hilafilcon B exhibited the highest biofilm growth (1.95%) after one day, highlighting their susceptibility to microbial colonization. Conversely, medical lenses made from Hilafilcon B …

Removal Of Cr(Vi) From Aqueous Solution Using Magnetic Activated Carbon Prepared From Waste Shell Of Marigold Flower Straw: Kinetics, Isotherm And Mechanism Studies, Shanmukha Rao Metta, Uttam Kumar Sahu

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

When Cr(VI) was released from industrial waste into water bodies harms aquatic ecosystems and poses risks to human well-being. To reduce risks, it's crucial to lower Cr(VI) levels through the sustainable process. In order to extract Cr(VI) from a liquid, the magnetic activated carbon adsorbent was created for the current investigation. H₃PO₄ was utilised as an activating agent in the thermal procedure to prepare activated carbon from marigold flower straw for the first time. The marigold flower straw activated carbon (MFSAC) was further decorated with Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄/MFSAC) in the …

Tropical Cyclone Response In Annual Tree Growth At Three Different Coastal Sites Along The Gulf Of Mexico, Usa, Clay S. Tucker, Alyssa C. Crowell, Kayla D. Stan, Thomas W. Patterson

Faculty Publications

Coastal forests are highly vulnerable to disturbances from tropical cyclones (TCs), yet the long-term impacts of storm surges on tree growth remain understudied. This study examines the relationship between TC-induced storm surges and annual tree-ring growth in Pinus elliottii at three coastal sites along the northern Gulf of Mexico. Using dendrochronological methods, we analyzed total ring width, earlywood, and latewood growth patterns to assess suppressions in response to past TC activity. Our results indicate that storm surge events consistently cause growth suppression, with recovery periods averaging two to three years. However, suppression patterns vary by site, with trees in more …

Renal Transplant Recipients And Complicated Utis: A Path Toward Next-Generation Care, Rob E. Carpenter

Human Resource Development Faculty Publications and Presentations

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) offers diagnostic potential in managing complicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in renal transplant recipients by enabling precise pathogen identification and resistance profiling. Integrating NGS into care protocols can improve graft preservation, reduce hospitalizations, and support antimicrobial stewardship. Policies should prioritize its adoption, while research explores cost-effectiveness and clinical outcomes. Medical education must emphasize NGS to prepare clinicians for advanced diagnostic approaches, fostering improved patient outcomes and innovative care solutions. Please cite this paper as: Carpenter RE. Renal transplant recipients and complicated UTIs: a path toward next-generation care. Renal transplant recipients face a heightened risk of complicated urinary …

Gatad2b O-Glcnacylation Regulates Breast Cancer Stem-Like Potential And Drug Resistance, Giang Le Minh, Jessica Merzy, Emily Esquea, Nusaiba Ahmed, Riley Young, Ryan Sharp, Tejsi Dhameliya, Bernice Agana, Mi-Hye Lee, Jennifer Bethard, Susana Comte-Walters, Lauren Ball, Mauricio Reginato

Kimmel Cancer Center Faculty Papers

The growth of breast tumors is driven and controlled by a subpopulation of cancer cells resembling adult stem cells, which are called cancer stem-like cells (CSCs). In breast cancer, the function and maintenance of CSCs are influenced by protein O-GlcNAcylation and the enzyme responsible for this post-translational modification, O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT). However, the mechanism of CSCs regulation by OGT and O-GlcNAc cycling in breast cancer is still unclear. Analysis of the proteome and O-GlcNAcome, revealed GATAD2B, a component of the Nucleosome Remodeling and Deacetylase (NuRD) complex, as a substrate regulated by OGT. Reducing GATAD2B genetically impairs mammosphere formation, decreases expression …

Condensed Low-Dose Total Skin Electron Beam Therapy For Mycosis Fungoides: An Institutional Retrospective Review And Subgroup Analysis Of Patients With Large Cell Transformation, Louis Cappelli, Megan Cappelli, Nilanjan Haldar, Tiara Paul, Jenna Mandel, Tingting Zhan, Neda Nikbakht, Wenyin Shi

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Faculty Papers

Low-dose total skin electron beam therapy (TSEBT) is an effective treatment option for mycosis fungoides (MF) with proven palliative effects and reduced toxicity. Presented is an institutional analysis of survival/response rate and quality of life for MF patients with subgroup analysis of those possessing pathologic large cell transformation (LCT). This is a single institutional retrospective review of patients with mycosis fungicides treated from 2014 to 2023 with low-dose TSEBT. All patients received 12 Gy in 6 fractions every other day with the modified Stanford technique, with boosts to shadowed sites between treatments, completed in 2 weeks. Outcomes evaluated included clinical …

Comparison Of Deep Learning And Traditional Machine Learning Models For Predicting Mild Cognitive Impairment Using Plasma Proteomic Biomarkers, Kesheng Wang Phd, Ma, Bs, Donald A. Adjeroh, Wei Fang, Suzy M. Walter, Danqing Xiao, Ubolrat Piamjariyakul, Chun Xu

Faculty Publications

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a clinical condition characterized by a decline in cognitive ability and progression of cognitive impairment. It is often considered a transitional stage between normal aging and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study aimed to compare deep learning (DL) and traditional machine learning (ML) methods in predicting MCI using plasma proteomic biomarkers. A total of 239 adults were selected from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) cohort along with a pool of 146 plasma proteomic biomarkers. We evaluated seven traditional ML models (support vector machines (SVMs), logistic regression (LR), naïve Bayes (NB), random forest (RF), k-nearest neighbor …

Genome-Wide Profiling Of Highly Similar Paralogous Genes Using Hifi Sequencing., Xiao Chen, Daniel Baker, Egor Dolzhenko, Joseph M. Devaney, Jessica Noya, April S. Berlyoung, Rhonda Brandon, Kathleen S. Hruska, Lucas Lochovsky, Paul Kruszka, Scott Newman, Emily G. Farrow, Isabelle Thiffault, Tomi Pastinen, Dalia Kasperaviciute, Christian Gilissen, Lisenka Vissers, Alexander Hoischen, Seth Berger, Eric Vilain, Emmanuèle Délot, Uci Genomics Research To Elucidate The Genetics Of Rare Diseases (Uci Gregor) Consortium, Michael A. Eberle

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Variant calling is hindered in segmental duplications by sequence homology. We developed Paraphase, a HiFi-based informatics method that resolves highly similar genes by phasing all haplotypes of paralogous genes together. We applied Paraphase to 160 long (>10 kb) segmental duplication regions across the human genome with high (>99%) sequence similarity, encoding 316 genes. Analysis across five ancestral populations revealed highly variable copy numbers of these regions. We identified 23 paralog groups with exceptionally low within-group diversity, where extensive gene conversion and unequal crossing over contribute to highly similar gene copies. Furthermore, our analysis of 36 trios identified 7 …

Building Relationships For Meaningful Co-Created Indigenous Climate Education, B. Hanson, R. Mccann, D. Smiley, S. Hinck, A. R. Archie, N. Butler

Environment and Society Student Research

This project involved a multicultural team collaboratively co-creating a climate change module by and for Indigenous people. Embracing the framework of cultural humility, we recognized the bidirectional learning inherent in the project and its role in mitigating power dynamics within the team. This endeavor underscored the significance of transparency, effective communication, respect, reciprocity, trust building, and sensitivity to cultural contexts. Our findings emphasized the need for locally grounded programs that echo local traditional wisdom. We discovered that fostering an environment conducive to active listening and patience is pivotal in establishing a secure space. Our research affirms the equal validity and …

Evaluation Of The Gelation Characteristics And Printability Of Edible Filamentous Fungi Flours And Protein Extracts, Lauren Doyle, Suvro Talukdar, Youling Xiong, Akinbode Adedeji, Tyler Barzee

Animal and Food Sciences Faculty Publications

AbstractThere is a pressing need to produce novel food ingredients from sustainable sources to support a growing population. Filamentous fungi can be readily cultivated from low-cost agricultural byproducts to produce functional proteins for food biomanufacturing of structured products. However, there is a lack of scientific knowledge on the gelling characteristics of fungal proteins or their potential in additive biomanufacturing. Therefore, this study investigated the feasibility of utilizing fungal protein extracts and flours from Aspergillus awamori, Pleurotus ostreatus, Auricularia auricula-judae as sole gelling agents in 3D-printed products. Protein extracts were successfully prepared using the alkaline extraction–isoelectric precipitation method and successful physical …

Global, Regional, And National Prevalence Of Child And Adolescent Overweight And Obesity, 1990–2021, With Forecasts To 2050: A Forecasting Study For The Global Burden Of Disease Study 2021, Gbd 2021 Adolescent Bmi Collaborators, Jessica A Kerr, George C Patton, Karly I Cini, Yohannes Habtegiorgis Abate, Nasir Abbas, Abdallah H A Abd Al Magied, Samar Abd Elhafeez, Sherief Abd-Elsalam, Arash Abdollahi, Meriem Abdoun, Deldar Morad Abdulah, Rizwan Suliankatchi Abdulkader, Auwal Abdullahi, Hansani Madushika Abeywickrama, Alemwork Abie, Olumide Abiodun, Shady Abohashem, Dariush Abtahi, Hasan Abualruz, Bilyaminu Abubakar, Eman Abu-Gharbieh, Hana J Abukhadijah, Niveen Me Abu-Rmeileh, Salahdein Aburuz, Ahmed Abu-Zaid, Lisa C. Adams, Mesafint Molla Adane, Isaac Yeboah Addo

Peninsula Medical School

Background: Despite the well documented consequences of obesity during childhood and adolescence and future risks of excess body mass on non-communicable diseases in adulthood, coordinated global action on excess body mass in early life is still insufficient. Inconsistent measurement and reporting are a barrier to specific targets, resource allocation, and interventions. In this Article we report current estimates of overweight and obesity across childhood and adolescence, progress over time, and forecasts to inform specific actions. Methods: Using established methodology from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2021, we modelled overweight and obesity across childhood and adolescence …

Integrative Analysis Of Transcriptomics And Clinical Data Of Slc1a5 In Cervical Cancer, Veronica O'Brien, Vivek Kashyap, Bhuvnesh Sharma, Murali Yallapu, Everardo Cobos, Subhash Chuahan

Research Symposium

Background: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in adult females globally and the second most common cancer in females between the ages of 15 and 44. The alanine-serine- cysteine transporter 2, ASCT2 (solute carrier family 1 member 5, SLC1A5), is a major transporter of the amino acid, glutamine. SLC1A5 expression is associated with the progression of multiple types of tumors, including liver, lung, breast, colon and head and neck cancer. However, the biological significance of SLC1A5 cervical cancer has not been systematically and comprehensively investigated. Using deep data mining and transcriptomics analyses, in this study, we investigated the …

Dysregulation Of Cholesterol Metabolism And Sorafenib Drug Resistance In Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Veerababu Nagati, Dennis Kwabiah, Yamile Abuchard Anaya, Ana Ayala Pazzi, Manish K. Tripathi

Research Symposium

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the most prevalent cancers and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Sorafenib, a multikinase inhibitor, serves as a key first-line treatment for HCC when surgical intervention is not an option. However, primary and acquired resistance to sorafenib has significantly limited its effectiveness, reducing the disease control rate. Dysregulation of numerous genes that influence cancer cell proliferation, survival, and drug resistance contributes to this challenge. Identifying the molecular drivers of sorafenib resistance remains critical to improving treatment outcomes. Several factors, including activation of oncogenic pathways (e.g., Akt/mTOR), hypoxia, cholesterol metabolism, EMT, multidrug resistance, and …

Unraveling Genetic Links Between Diabetes And Heart Failure-A Machine Learning Approach, Sunakhi Sahoo, Marzieh Ayati

Research Symposium

Background: Diabetic heart failure (DHF) is defined as a chronic and progressive disease which is associated with both diabetes and heart failure (HF). Even though there have been many developments in the knowledge of these diseases, there is still much to learn about the genetic crossovers between the two. In this study, we identified genes that are associated with diabetic heart failure and heart failure by using gene expression data from patients with DHF, HF, and a control group of patients who died of natural causes. We sought to identify genes that had altered expression levels which could possibly play …

Investigating The Ability Of Foxo1 To Maintain Stem Cells, Stella A. Rios, Megan E. Keniry

Research Symposium

Background: Our group discovered that FOXO transcription factors drive stem gene expression in cancer to promote aggressiveness. Work by our group and others demonstrated that FOXO factors universally maintain stem cells including in cancer, embryonic, hematogenic and neuronal contents. Our current efforts are delineating the molecular underpinnings by which FOXO factors halt differentiation to maintain stem cells.

In this project, we are employing myoblasts as a valuable model to examine how Foxo1 maintains stem cells. Foxo1-regulated genes in myoblasts closely parallel its targets in glioblastoma and basal breast cancer stem cells, including targets such as Leukemia Inhibitory Factor, …

Exploring Cucurbitacin D'S Protective Mechanism Against Benzo[A]Pyrene-Induced Liver Injury Through Nrf2 Activation, Shabnam Malik, Mohammed Sikander, Anyssa Rodriguiez, Daniel Zubieta, Debanhi Esparaza, Fathi T. Halaweish, Sheema Khan, Murali M. Yallapu, Meena Jaggi, Subhash C. Chauhan

Research Symposium

Background: Numerous studies have established a strong association between hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and various co-morbidity factors, including smoking. Tobacco smoke is a significant source of benzo[a]pyrene, a highly carcinogenic compound known to cause liver damage. Cucurbitacin, a triterpene with diverse biological activities, exhibits antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and anticancer effects. However, its hepatoprotective properties have not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of cucurbitacin D, a novel analog of cucurbitacin, against liver injury induced by benzo[a]pyrene in human HepG2 cells.

Method: To investigate the hepatoprotective effect of cucurbitacin D against benzo[a]pyreneinduced liver damage, proliferation, clonogenicity, …

Myofibrillar Proteomics Of Sustained Load-Carriage Hiking, Rachel Perez, Mahalakshmi Shanakaran, Hussein Mohammed, Marc Hellerstein, Walter Hailes, Brent Ruby

UM Graduate Student Research Conference (GradCon)

Load-carriage hiking is a popular recreational activity and an integral part of daily tasks for military personnel and wildland firefighters. Investigation is therefore warranted into myofibrillar responses to such activities. PURPOSE: To evaluate myofibrillar adaptations to acute load-carriage hiking. METHODS: Thirty-two recreationally active adults (12M, 20F; 28±6 yr; VO₂_peak: 47.7±8.2 mL･kg^-1･min^-1) participated in a 5-day load-carriage study. Participants consumed 50ml deuterated water(²H₂O) thrice daily for the 10 days prior to and twice daily during the five consecutive days of hiking for the measurement of fractional protein synthesis rates …

3d Digitization Of Yellowstone Wolf (Canis Lupus) Skulls For Education, Research, And Outreach, Madeline K. Rowland

UM Graduate Student Research Conference (GradCon)

Museums around the world are using the advancement of digital technology to share scientific collections with broader audiences on a digital landscape. Recent innovations in imaging software and virtual platforms have made it possible for museums to create high-resolution 3D models that can be 3D printed as tangible educational aids, made accessible to researchers worldwide, and used to create accessible virtual museum experiences. Yellowstone National Park (YNP) is home to one of the best-studied collections of wolf (Canis lupus) skulls in the world. Long-term research conducted by the Yellowstone Wolf Project has produced an extensive volume of ecological …

Green Carpets In A Blue-Ribbon Fishery: Predicting Nuisance Algal Blooms Using River Metabolism, Cora Mae Steinbach

UM Graduate Student Research Conference (GradCon)

Many freshwaters across the Mountain West are experiencing nutrient enrichment, leading to the excessive growth of algae and aquatic plants. In healthy rivers, these primary producers perform critical functions, providing energy for macroinvertebrates and fish, determining water quality, and directing carbon and nutrient cycling for the entire ecosystem. Nutrient enrichment profoundly alters these functions, motivating research to predict and prevent its impacts. Since 2018, nuisance algal blooms in the Gallatin River (Montana) have roused concern. The Gallatin blooms are hypothesized to occur in response to changing nutrient dynamics, likely due to human development in tributary streams. Fortuitously, continuous dissolved oxygen …

Uca1 As A Key Regulator Of The Warburg Effect During Anoikis Resistance In Colorectal Cancer Metastasis, Ricardo Pequeno Bracho, Salique Hassan Shaham, Yamile Abuchard Anaya, Sophia Leslie, Kyle Doxtater, Subhash Chauhan, Bilal Hafeez, Tamer Oraby, Manish K. Tripathi

Research Symposium

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States. While localized CRC has a 90% five-year survival rate, this drops sharply to 14% upon metastasis. Metastasis occurs in approximately 40–50% of CRC cases and requires cancer cells to acquire anoikis resistance—a critical adaptation allowing survival after detachment from the extracellular matrix, enabling migration and colonization of secondary sites. Understanding the molecular mechanisms driving anoikis resistance, particularly those linked to altered glucose metabolism, is essential for developing targeted therapies for metastatic CRC.

Cancer cells frequently exhibit the Warburg Effect, a metabolic adaptation favoring glycolysis over …

Stepwise Regression Analysis To Assess Various Factors Affecting On Fresh Sperm Quality In Ouled Djellal Ram, Yamina Belkhiri, Souheyla Benbia, Farida Bouzebda-Afri, Zoubir Bouzebda, Ramzi Lamraoui

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of various factors on fresh semen quality in Ouled Djellal rams. Specifically, we examined the impact of semen collection method, season, ram age, testosterone levels, body weight , and testicular weight. Twelve mature Ouled Djellal rams were used in the trial. Six rams were trained for semen collection using an artificial vagina (AV), while semen from the other six rams was collected using an electroejaculator (EE) biweekly throughout the year. Stepwise regression analysis showed that 62.50% of the variation in sperm volume, 48.60% of the variation in mass motility, 62.70% …

Assessing The Micro- And Macroscopic Changes Of Taphonomically Altered Bone, Shelby Feirstein

UM Graduate Student Research Conference (GradCon)

Forensic identifications may be hampered when perpetrators find unique ways of obscuring their victims’ identities, such as fire and household corrosive substances. Thermal alteration, sodium hydroxide, and hydrochloric acid are known to change both the structural integrity and composition of skeletal elements; but the patterns of these processes, nor how each may affect the potential for obtaining identifying DNA data, are well understood.

Burned bone concomitantly follows a defined color spectrum and eventually reaches calcination, consisting only of its original inorganic mineral, hydroxyapatite, which is naturally white in color and brittle.

In contrast, analyses of chemical exposure focus on total …

Novel Nanoformulation Of Piperlongumine Attenuates Pancreatic Tumor Desmoplasia And Modulates Tumor Immune Responses, Vivek K. Kashyap, Reinaldo Mandes, Neeraj Chauhan, Daniel Zubieta, Mohammed Sikander, Eswara N.H.K Ghali, Bilal B. Hafeez, Murali M. Yallapu, Subhash C. Chauhan

Research Symposium

Pancreatic cancer (PanCa) is characterized by a lack of early diagnosis, poor response to available therapeutic modalities, and chemoresistance. Gemcitabine (GEM) is currently considered the most effective therapy for PanCa; however, it shows only a marginal survival benefit of 6 months. This poor drug response has been attributed to desmoplasia, causes suboptimal drug delivery, alters tumor microenvironment (TME), which includes tumor surrounding blood vessels, fibroblasts, immune cells, extracellular matrix, and other signaling molecules and induces chemo-resistance in tumors. To overcome these existing issues associated with chemotherapy, the identification and development of novel therapeutic modalities are a pressing need. Piperlongumine (PL) …

Impact Of Acute Stress On Circadian Rhythm Regulation Of Locomotor Activity In Syrian Hamsters, Raquel A. Villarreal, Laura E. Garcia, Mario Gil

Research Symposium

Background: Disruptions of circadian rhythms, caused by factors such as environmental changes or stress, are linked to health conditions, including metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and mood disorders. Circadian rhythm disturbances are particularly relevant for understanding the etiology of conditions like insomnia, depression, and anxiety. The circadian rhythm, primarily regulated by the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) in the hypothalamus, coordinates biological processes to align with daily environmental cycles. Acute stress, especially when experienced immediately upon waking, has been shown to disrupt these rhythms, impair sleep regulation, and exacerbate mood dysregulation. Given the significant clinical implications, understanding how stress impacts circadian rhythms is …

Fabrication Of Docetaxel Loaded Pcl/Plga Electrospun Nanofibers For Lung Cancer Therapy, Rahul Tiwari, Fnu Pranav, Eswara N. Hanuma Kumar Ghali, Subhash Chauhan, Murali Yallapu, Luis Chavez

Research Symposium

Background: Electrospinning is a commonly employed method in tissue engineering due to its ability to produce nano-/microscale fibrous materials with mechanical and functional properties that mimic the extracellular matrix of living tissues. The general interest in electrospun fibrous matrices has recently expanded to cancer research both as scaffolds for in vitro cancer modeling and as patches for in vivo therapeutic delivery. This research aims to investigate the efficient delivery of anticancer drug in lung cancer treatment.

Methods: Three different biocompatible polymeric nanofibers (i.e. PCL fibers, PCL-PLGA mixed fibers, and PCL-PLGA tetra-layered fibers) loaded with docetaxel, were prepared using electrospinning technique. …

Heterogeneity Of Rna-Binding Protein Dnd1 In G0 Male Germ Cells May Provide A Selection Process For Spermatogonial Stem Cell Development, Kayla Friedman, Talia Hatkevich, Blanche Capel

Osmosis Magazine

The ability to reproduce is dependent upon proper development of the germline. In male Mus musculus, germline development involves male germ cells (MGCs) differentiating into spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), the precursors for male gametes. During this differentiation period, MGCs enter a quiescent phase (G0), an essential stage for SSC development. This G0 phase accompanies changes in transcription as well as chromatin accessibility and re-methylation of DNA.

Using Machines To Guide Your Online Shopping Decisions, Daniel Verdi Do Amarante

Osmosis Magazine

I bet you’ve heard the term artificial intelligence in various conversations by now. But do you understand the process of teaching machines to develop abilities that are comparable – sometimes even better – to those of humans? At the University of Richmond, Dr. Park’s lab does just that.

An Ever-Growing Web: Spider Silk In Medicine, Andrew Watts

Osmosis Magazine

For decades, graduates from the University of Richmond have crafted a robust web of alumni spanning various regions and professions. Much like its graduates, Richmond’s famed spider mascot has been capitalizing on the strength of its own web and engineering solutions to the most pressing problems in a new and rather unexpected territory–medicine.

Spider silk has unique chemical and physical properties that allow it to be used in many different capacities.

Re-Captcha, Isabel Dilandro

Osmosis Magazine

They tried to warn us of what would come, but we didn’t listen. Why should we? For years the world had told us that we were smarter than everything else. Better. More advanced. The very science of biology existed to remind us that we were the superior race. We were untouchable. Until now. If only we hadn’t ignored the warning signs. Perhaps we could have stopped the madness before it began. Unfortunately, we neglected to put a leash on the dog because we assumed it wouldn’t bite.