Volume 3 Issue 7, July 2025

Immune responses are complex, often defying rigid classifications. Instead of interpreting results according to reductionist categories, researchers should rely on comprehensive single-cell data to guide analysis and should remain open to unexpected immunological complexity.

The lack of structural definition in nanomedicines limits therapeutic efficacy and complicates regulatory approval. Here, we emphasize that defining, designing and optimizing the structures of nanomedicines are critical  to developing effective therapies because their architectures — not just the identity of their components — determines potency.

Microgravity accelerates ageing-like changes in cells and tissues. By integrating bioengineering technologies, researchers can uncover pathways to mitigate ageing and develop therapeutic interventions for age-related diseases both on Earth and in space.

Achieving effective collaboration in bioengineering is an art and a science. Here we outline strategies for building and sustaining interdisciplinary partnerships, and outline challenges, opportunities and funding options for establishing and strengthening collaborative research.

An article in Nature Materials reports zwitterionic polymer poly(carboxybetaine) (PCB)–lipid nanoparticles for the safe delivery of mRNA therapeutics.

DNA computing takes advantage of DNA molecular interactions to achieve information processing for liquid-phase computing. This Review discusses designing rules, implementation strategies and biomedical applications of DNA computing circuits.

The function and fate of T cells are dictated by their various dynamic interactions with cells and tissues. This Review discusses the recreation of key T cell interfaces using nanotechnologies and microtechnologies for the mechanistic study of T cell biology, as well as the manufacturing and sorting of T cell products.

Surgical robots can assist in medical procedures or autonomously perform surgical tasks. This Review explores the design and application of passive, interactive, teleoperated and autonomous surgical robots within the framework of computer-assisted and integrated surgical workflows.

Organisms have evolved diverse colouration strategies, including dynamic colour change, which enables their rapid adaptation to environmental stimuli. This Review discusses the recreation of bioinspired colouration and dynamic colour change mechanisms for applications in optics, sensors and biomedicine.

Emerging perfusion technologies restore circulation and mitigate cell damage post ischaemia and reperfusion, showing promise for resuscitation medicine and organ transplantation. This Review explores cellular injury mechanisms, machine perfusion approaches and perfusate modifications for organ and whole-body recovery following circulatory cessation.