Stories
Revolutionary Hydrogel Grows Bones in Human Body and Eliminates the Need for Brain Chips in Paralysis
- •Chinese scientists have developed a lifelike hydrogel using the STERS system and liquid metal that can change its texture and shape much like living human cells and tissues.
- •The hydrogel provides support to stem cells and creates a natural environment inside the body to automatically form new bones and nerve cells.
- •This technology acts as a flexible bridge for paralysis patients, perfectly integrating with the brain and spinal cord without the need for rigid brain-computer interface chips.
- •Gallium-based liquid metal inside the hydrogel is completely sealed between secure waterproof layers in a sandwich structure, ensuring 100 percent safety for living tissues.
- •Beyond medicine, this shape-shifting hydrogel will transform soft robotics by giving humanoid robots flexible skin that mimics human muscle and changes according to the environment.
Key Questions Answered
Developed by researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, STERS (Spatiotemporally Evolving Reactive Species) is a lifelike hydrogel containing microscopic liquid gallium-based metal particles. When exposed briefly to near-infrared light, a chemical reaction starts and continues automatically for up to 28 days without requiring further light exposure, allowing the gel to change its shape and texture like living human cells.
The hydrogel can serve as a flexible bridge to reconnect broken nerves in spinal cord injuries, allowing paralyzed patients to move their limbs without rigid brain-computer interface chips. Led by Professor Du Xuemin, tests showed that upper layers of electrodes made from this soft hydrogel adapted to brain growth rates and recorded brainwaves precisely without causing inflammation or tissue injury.
Yes, scientists completely eliminated toxicity and infection risks by creating a sandwich structure where the reactive liquid metal component is safely sealed between two waterproof protective layers. This prevents any microscopic metal particles from leaking out, ensuring that living body tissues remain completely safe.
