Biomedical Engineering

Benjamin Thompson and Shamini Bundell discuss two scientific stories from the Nature Briefing. The first concerns a technique for detecting lead that may help researchers read damaged Roman scrolls from Herculaneum without unrolling the fragile, charred material. The second examines a biodegradable, paper-inspired edible battery and its potential use in medical devices inside the body. The publisher’s episode page and official podcast feed both identify this 25 September 2026 episode; the discussion lasts 11 minutes 32 seconds.

Medical physicist Nick Zacharopoulos, chief executive of Aktina Medical, talks with Tami Freeman about developing radiation-oncology technologies and combining industry with academic research. He traces a career that began building radiotherapy components with his father, discusses product development at Aktina, and explains how persistence and a conversation with a colleague led him to a doctorate at McGill University.

Nature staff discuss geophysical evidence that could indicate hidden chambers beyond Tutankhamun's tomb and what the findings might imply for the search for Nefertiti's burial place. The episode also examines a multifunctional brain-computer interface that translates neural activity into both speech and gestures, highlighting how one implant can support several forms of communication.

Chris Smith presents a research-news episode covering a treatment for prematurely fused infant skull bones, discussion of advanced AI risks, animal-assisted observations in Greenland’s fjords, and a European commercial rocket launch. The surgery segment explains how biomedical modelling and engineered springs supported treatment planning.

NSF support for new engineering investigators at eligible non-R1 institutions to initiate research programs, build capacity and advance their careers.

Develop new approaches and hardware to shape and control ultrasound for biomedical applications in Peer Fischer’s group. The project investigates fundamental effects and dynamic ultrasound-field projection. Work begins in Heidelberg, with activity expected to move to the institute’s new Heilbronn site when it opens. This vacancy belongs to the September 2026 Max Planck Postdoc Program call, which accepts applications until 13 October 2026 at 12:00 CEST through the official application platform.

The Neuro’s open competition supports postdoctoral research in Montreal through five named awards: Jeanne Timmins, Molson Neuroengineering, Redpoll, Brenda Milner and Armando Ortiz. Awards range from CAD 40,000 to 50,000; themes include clinical/basic neuroscience, neuroengineering, neuroimmunology and neurodegeneration, cognition, and focused-ultrasound neurosurgery. Select the relevant award on the application form and review its specific degree and research conditions. The Ortiz award gives preference to applicants from Latin America and/or Indigenous peoples of the Americas. Apply by October 16, 2026, 11:59 p.m.

NIMH funds development of new or substantially improved brain-stimulation devices for mental health research and treatment applications. Relevant work includes greater spatial or temporal precision, closed-loop control and multi-site stimulation, with proof-of-concept hardware or software development. Clinical trials are not allowed. Support is up to USD 275,000 in direct costs over two years, with a USD 200,000 annual limit. The next new-application deadline is 16 October 2026 at 5 p.m. in the applicant organisation’s local time.

Astrocytes help sustain neural signaling and tissue stability, but injury and implanted devices cause them to change their functions. Tim O'Shea examines how the extent and timing of this response determine tissue protection, regeneration and implant durability. Limited renewal of adult astrocytes contrasts with the greater proliferation and migration of immature cells in newborn mammals. Around implants, continuing movement, infection and other stimuli can prolong the response and affect device performance. The talk uses astrocyte-specific transcriptomic assays to investigate this reprogramming and considers how to improve repair without sacrificing normal astrocyte functions. It also presents biomaterial and cell-transplant approaches being studied in preclinical stroke, spinal cord injury and implant-response models.

Benjamin Thompson and Shamini Bundell discuss two scientific stories from the Nature Briefing. The first concerns a technique for detecting lead that may help researchers read damaged Roman scrolls from Herculaneum without unrolling the fragile, charred material. The second examines a biodegradable, paper-inspired edible battery and its potential use in medical devices inside the body. The publisher’s episode page and official podcast feed both identify this 25 September 2026 episode; the discussion lasts 11 minutes 32 seconds.

Develop sensor technologies that quantify behaviour and synchronise those measurements with neural activity. The BRAIN Initiative call supports methods capable of capturing richer interactions among brain activity, behaviour and the surrounding environment, with emphasis on practical research utility. U01 projects may last up to five years, and individual budgets should reflect project needs. The next application deadline is 15 June 2027 at 5 p.m. in the applicant organisation’s local time. The programme-wide funding allocation is not an individual award limit.

NIMH funds development of new or substantially improved brain-stimulation devices for mental health research and treatment applications. Relevant work includes greater spatial or temporal precision, closed-loop control and multi-site stimulation, with proof-of-concept hardware or software development. Clinical trials are not allowed. Support is up to USD 275,000 in direct costs over two years, with a USD 200,000 annual limit. The next new-application deadline is 16 October 2026 at 5 p.m. in the applicant organisation’s local time.