Our First Peak into Soil Using Modified Bacteria & Other Health Tech

For those who have been following the latest science and technology news – you must’ve noticed that we’re highlighting the latest advancements in healthcare and medical science. Let’s get started with the latest digest for today!

Our First Peak into Soil Using Modified Bacteria

Scientists at Rice University looking to study soil more closely have used genetically-modified bacteria that release methyl halide gas to study microbe activity in soil.

"We care about this because the process of horizontal gene transfer controls a lot of things that are important to humans either because they’re good—it’s how rhizobia trade the genes they need to fix nitrogen and support plant growth—or they’re bad—it’s how bacteria trade antibiotic resistance in soils," said Caroline Masiello, Professor of Earth Science at Rice University.

"It’s been much more challenging in the past to construct models of this dynamic process in real soils and to study how horizontal gene exchange varies across soil types. We’ve created a new set of tools that makes that possible," she added.

When asked about the future of this type of technology, they were only too excited about the idea of using gases to open the doors to genetic modification.

US Army’s Secret Bionic Knee Braces for Super Strength

After winning a 1 million CAD contract by the Canadian Department of National Defense for supplying 190 bionic knee braces to the Canadian Army, Spring Loaded Technology announced that it had supplied the first 60 units. Made of carbon fiber, the braces are designed to provide strength, enhance performance, and defend against muscle fatigue experienced by soldiers on the field. When applied on both knees, the brace allows soldiers to lift upto 45 kg.

"Compared to other knee braces ours is the only one with a powerful bionic hinge, a spring loaded hinge that can actually enhance mobility and provide energy to the user whereas other braces just provide lateral stability to the joint," said Cowper Smith, CEO of Spring Loaded Technology.

The company has a civilian version for consumers as well, called Levitation. According to Smith, "with power-output similar to that found in $100,000 powered exoskeletons, [Levitation is] the first knee brace of its kind that can help average people crouch, walk or jump free from pain."

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