Lessons from tooth enamel

Porous hydroxyapatite scaffolds fabricated from nano-sized powder via honeycomb extrusion

“…However, the disadvantages of freeze-casting include limited porosity geometry and limited macropore sizes. Furthermore, concerns have been raised whether the technique can be industrially scaled, and if large-sized scaffolds can be generated [214].…”

“…This technique has been demonstrated to attain high compressive strengths for HA [222], as well as bioactive-glass [145], that are comparable to cortical bone. However, like other SFF techniques, robocasting is still in its infancy, and more work is needed to address existing issues, such as cost, fabrication of large-sized scaffolds and industrial scalability [105,214].…”

Bioinspired polymeric woods

“…Nature has been a source of bioinspiration for materials scientists in the design of high-performance engineering materials (1)(2)(3)(4). Wood, as one of the most common natural materials, has attracted enormous attention due to its lightweight and high-strength properties.…”

Cellular processes driving gastrulation in the avian embryo

“…It remains unknown what triggers the ingression of these individual cells in the epiblast during the early stages of streak formation. Mechanical cues can inform cells about the homeostatic status of the epithelial layer, resulting in induction of cell divisions in tissues under tension ( Gudipaty et al, 2017 ; Heisenberg, 2017 ), or non-apoptotic cell extrusions in overcrowded tissues ( Eisenhoffer et al, 2012 ; Eisenhoffer and Rosenblatt, 2013 ). Similar mechanisms could be at play in avian gastrulation, the PS is likely an overcrowded region and subjected to high mechanical stress, possibly signalling cells to abandon the surface.…”