A gentle squeeze helped turn skin cells into neurons — 40% of them

Sometimes cells need a nudge — literally. UCLA researchers found that briefly squeezing skin cells before switching on key genes with CRISPR-based tools made the cells far more willing to change identity: about 40% became neurons, far more than without the squeeze. The same priming made aged mouse cells look biologically younger by several measures. It is early, laboratory work, but it points to a gentler way of persuading cells to become the kinds doctors might one day use to test drugs or repair tissue.

SDG 9 · Industry, innovation and infrastructure — Mechanism: tech innovation