Gene delivery at the bionic interface

Researchers report that intense electrical signals from the electrode array forming the interface between cochlear implant and cochlea stimulate gene delivery by electroporation.  Mesenchymal cells were transfected with genes which generated brain-derived neurotrophic factor stimulating neurite growth and improving neurite-electrode contact.  This more integrated interface could improve hearing dynamic range. 

http://stm.sciencemag.org/content/6/233/233ra54.full

Close-Field Electroporation Gene Delivery Using the Cochlear Implant Electrode Array Enhances the Bionic Ear; J.L.Pinyon et al; Science Translational Medicine; 23 April 2014: 

Vol. 6, Issue 233, p. 233ra54. 

Barriers to commercially viable cell- and tissue therapies

Experts have identified hurdles to the successful commercialisation of innovations in regenerative medicine. Particularly, they recognised challenges in bioreactor-based manufacturing hindering the scale-up of therapies. This field is expensive and risky to invest in so the experts suggest developing manufacturing processes within academia rather than hoping for angel investment.

Manufacturing challenges in regenerative medicine; I. Martin et al; Science Translational Medicine; Vol. 6(232); p. 232; 2014.

http://stm.sciencemag.org/content/6/232/232fs16.full