Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the innovative use of lotus root as a natural biomaterial for bone and skin wound healing, highlighting its potential in regenerative medicine and its advantages over traditional materials like bone cement [1][3][9]. Group 1: Lotus Root as a Biomaterial - Lotus root is identified as a high-strength composite material with a natural porous structure, making it suitable for bone repair [3][4]. - Research indicates that using lotus root as a bone repair material significantly accelerates the healing process in animal models compared to control groups [3][13]. - The lotus root scaffold promotes the growth of new blood vessels and nerves, enhancing the microenvironment for bone healing [6][9]. Group 2: Production and Processing - The production of lotus root biomaterials involves simple processes such as freeze-drying and mineralization, which reduce immunogenicity and enhance strength [9][10]. - After processing, the strength of lotus root materials is comparable to human bone, making it a viable alternative to bone cement [9][10]. Group 3: Experimental Validation - Experiments on mice with cranial bone defects showed that lotus root scaffolds led to a healing rate of approximately 50%, significantly higher than untreated controls [13][14]. - Future studies are planned to test the effectiveness of lotus root scaffolds in larger animal models, such as sheep, to address larger bone defects in humans [14][16]. Group 4: Broader Research Initiatives - The research team is also exploring other food materials like frozen tofu and goji berries for their potential applications in biomedical engineering [17]. - The emphasis is on utilizing natural materials to inspire new biomaterials, reflecting a trend towards biomimicry in material science [17]. Group 5: Stem Cell Research - The Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and Health has made significant advancements in stem cell research, particularly in obtaining induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) from human urine [19][20]. - This method is non-invasive and quick, with potential applications in generating functional blood cells for therapeutic purposes [21].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the advancements in iPS cell technology, particularly the establishment of the "MyiPS" project by the Kyoto University iPS Cell Research Foundation, aimed at reducing manufacturing costs and improving treatment options for various diseases [1][2][3]. Group 1: MyiPS Project Overview - The "MyiPS" project involves creating and storing iPS cells from patients' own cells, which minimizes the risk of rejection compared to using cells from others [1][2]. - The newly built facility in Osaka, covering approximately 1,800 square meters, is equipped with 14 fully automated German cultivation devices, allowing for the production of iPS cells within about one month after extracting cells from blood [2][3]. Group 2: Cost Reduction and Production Goals - The current manufacturing cost for one person’s iPS cells is estimated to be several tens of millions of yen, presenting a significant challenge [2][3]. - The foundation aims to reduce the production cost to around 1 million yen (approximately 4.84 million RMB) per person by 2025, although current raw material costs already reach this target [3]. Group 3: Support and Future Prospects - The project has received support from prominent figures, including Masayoshi Yanai, the chairman of Fast Retailing, who has pledged 5 billion yen annually for nine years starting from 2021 [3]. - Despite the challenges, the establishment of the facility is seen as a significant step forward, with plans to produce 1,000 person’s worth of iPS cells annually in the future [3][4].