Core Insights - A research team from Carnegie Mellon University has developed a new engineering method to create micro-bio-robots using human lung cells, known as AggreBots, which are expected to perform therapeutic or mechanical tasks in complex human environments, such as drug delivery [1][2] Group 1: Development of AggreBots - The bio-robots are microscopic artificial biological machines capable of autonomous movement and programmability, previously relying on muscle fiber contraction and relaxation for movement [1] - The research team introduced a novel mechanism using cilia-driven movement, which is crucial for fluid flow in organs like the lungs, overcoming challenges in stabilizing and controlling the movement of cilia-driven robots [1] Group 2: Modular Assembly Strategy - A modular assembly strategy was pioneered, utilizing lung stem cells to cultivate small tissue spheres that are then spatially assembled to create AggreBots with varying movement characteristics [1] - The team introduced genetically mutated cell spheres at specific locations to disable some cilia, allowing precise control over cilia distribution and quantity, thus guiding the movement behavior of the bio-robots [1] Group 3: Future Applications - This method provides a new perspective for designing bio-robots and bio-hybrid robots, combining ciliated and non-ciliated units to create robots with specific movement patterns [2] - AggreBots, being entirely composed of biological materials, possess natural degradability and biocompatibility, making them promising candidates for direct medical applications [2] - The bio-robots can potentially be manufactured using patients' own cells, enabling the creation of personalized drug delivery carriers and minimizing immune rejection [2]

Policy Developments - Shanghai Municipal Government issued the "Action Plan for Promoting the Full-Chain Development of High-End Medical Device Industry," aiming to approve over 500 domestic Class III medical device registrations and over 100 products for overseas markets by 2027 [1] - The plan also targets the cultivation of two leading enterprises with an annual output value exceeding 10 billion yuan and the establishment of three high-end medical device industrial clusters [1] Drug and Device Approvals - Merck announced that its new non-nucleoside cytomegalovirus (CMV) inhibitor, Letermovir Tablets (II), has been approved by the NMPA in China for preventing CMV infection in adult and pediatric patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation [3] - Borui Pharmaceutical received approval from the NMPA to conduct clinical trials for BGM0504 Tablets in overweight/obese adults, which is a dual agonist of GLP-1 and GIP receptors [4] - Kangtai Biological's Sabin strain inactivated poliovirus vaccine (Vero cells) has been approved for market release, enhancing the company's product portfolio [5] Capital Market Activities - Beijing Huakan Biotechnology completed a B+ round financing of several hundred million yuan, attracting multiple leading investment institutions [6][7] - Shanghai Pharmaceuticals' controlling shareholder plans to increase its stake by acquiring 55 million to 74 million H-shares within the next 12 months [8] - Painova Medical successfully completed a B round financing, focusing on the development of high-performance medical devices in neurosurgery [9] Industry Developments - Zhongshan Hospital, in collaboration with Huawei and others, launched the "Meta-Medical Simulation Laboratory" to test AI medical applications [10] - Xisoft Technology announced a strategic acquisition of Yicai Medical Management, aiming to integrate software, data, and consulting services for healthcare institutions [11] - A new type of biohybrid crawling robot has been developed, revealing the connection between neural signals and muscle drive, with potential applications in complex biological systems [12]

Group 1 - The consulting fee of 60 million for ten years between Huayi and Xibei is confirmed to be true by internal sources [1] - Xibei's internal response indicates that the consulting service provided by Huayi is valued for its subscription model, which generates value over time [1] Group 2 - Jin Yi Film's recent operational status is normal, with no significant changes in the internal and external business environment [2] - The company has not identified any undisclosed major matters that could impact stock trading [2] Group 3 - A new type of biological hybrid robot has been developed, capable of crawling at different speeds under light stimulation, revealing the connection between neural signals and muscle movement [3] Group 4 - UnitedHealth Group is seeking a meeting with President Trump amid regulatory challenges, indicating an increase in lobbying efforts in Washington [4] Group 5 - A survey shows that U.S. tariff policies have led to over a 20% increase in costs for small and medium-sized enterprises, with many reducing shipping volumes due to cost pressures [5] Group 6 - The film "Light as a Feather" has surpassed 10 million in total box office revenue within two days of its release [6] Group 7 - The China Communications Enterprise Association supports the Ministry of Commerce's investigation into U.S. products and measures, criticizing unilateral and discriminatory practices by the U.S. government [7] Group 8 - The Chinese women's hockey team won the Asian Cup after 16 years, defeating India 4-1 in the final [8] Group 9 - Tesla's German factory plans to increase production due to excellent sales data, with adjustments made for the third and fourth quarters [9] Group 10 - The animated film "Wang Wang Mountain Little Monster" has entered the top five in China's animation box office history, surpassing 1.6031 billion in cumulative box office [10] Group 11 - Shanghai Botai Internet of Vehicles Technology has submitted post-hearing documents to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, indicating approval for its IPO application [11]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolution of skeletal muscle tissue engineering from medical needs to a key technology driving the development of biorobotics, highlighting its potential in both medical applications and robotics [1][2]. Group 1: Medical Needs and Challenges - Skeletal muscle constitutes over 40% of body weight and is essential for movement. Loss of more than 15%-20% of muscle can lead to permanent functional loss [4]. - Current treatment options primarily rely on autologous muscle transplantation, which has limitations such as donor site availability, significant surgical trauma, and suboptimal functional recovery [4]. Group 2: Development of Skeletal Muscle Tissue Engineering - Clinical needs have propelled the development of skeletal muscle tissue engineering, aiming to cultivate functional muscle tissue in vitro for repairing large muscle defects [5]. - Researchers discovered broader applications in biorobotics, as engineered muscle offers unique advantages such as high mechanical compliance, energy efficiency, and fine motor control [5]. Group 3: Key Strategies in Muscle Tissue Engineering - The core strategies in skeletal muscle tissue engineering include scaffold design, cell sourcing, external stimulation, and bioreactor technology, all of which are continuously innovating [5]. Group 4: Scaffold and Cell Selection - Scaffolds provide three-dimensional support for cell growth and must meet strict requirements such as biocompatibility, degradation rate matching tissue regeneration, and hardness close to natural muscle (10-20 kPa) [6]. - Various materials are explored, including synthetic polymers like PCL and PLGA, and natural materials like fibrin and collagen. Innovative approaches include using decellularized plant tissues as scaffolds [6]. - In cell selection, satellite cells are the best for differentiation but are difficult to obtain, while mesenchymal stem cells are easier to acquire but have limited differentiation potential [7]. Group 5: Stimulation and Cultivation Techniques - To make engineered muscle functional, it is essential to simulate physiological environments and provide appropriate stimulation signals, including mechanical, electrical, and biochemical stimuli [8]. - Mechanical stimulation is crucial, with optimal substrate hardness (8-11 kPa) and dynamic stretching (35% strain rate) promoting muscle fiber alignment and maturation [8]. - Electrical stimulation mimics motor neuron activation, significantly increasing muscle contraction force by three times through intermittent stimulation [8]. Group 6: Biorobotics and Muscle-Driven Robots - The integration of skeletal muscle tissue engineering with robotics has led to the emergence of biohybrid robots, which utilize engineered muscle tissue as actuators, offering advantages over traditional motors [12]. - These muscle actuators allow for fine control, inherent compliance, and the potential for self-repair and adaptive growth [12]. - Various proof-of-concept muscle-driven robots have been developed, including a notable 18 cm tall biohybrid hand capable of selective finger movement [13]. Group 7: Future Prospects - The future of skeletal muscle tissue engineering is promising, with potential applications in personalized tissue transplantation for muscle loss patients, new soft actuator systems in robotics, and other fields like cultured meat production and drug screening [14]. - This interdisciplinary field combines insights from biology, engineering, and materials science, generating valuable new knowledge and innovations [14].