Researchers at the University of California, Irvine have developed a 3D human colon model integrated with bioelectronics to aid in colorectal cancer research and drug discovery. The “3D in vivo mimicking human colon” enables precision, personalized medicine and offers a more ethical, accurate and cost-effective alternative to traditional animal testing.

Stem cells in most organisms typically take cues from adjacent cells. But new research from the Stowers Institute for Medical Research reveals planarian stem cells ignore their nearest neighbors and instead respond to signals farther away in the body. This discovery may help explain the flatworm’s extraordinary ability to regenerate—and could offer clues for developing new ways to replace or repair tissues in humans.