Quantum Leap: Edition 8
Welcome to the May edition of Quantum Leap, the Infosys Science Society’s premium newsletter. In this edition, discover how biomimicry draws inspiration from nature, offering a blueprint for innovation that is sustainable, efficient, and breathtakingly ingenious. Read also about the pacemaker, a tiny lifesaver, which keeps the heart’s rhythm steady, ensuring every beat counts. And don’t forget to attempt the brain teaser at the end!
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- Shreshta Manikandan, Editor
Inspired by Nature: The Power of Biomimicry
Written and Edited by Shreshta Manikandan
Science co-evolves with nature. There is an interdisciplinary approach followed, which involves drawing on insights from various objects and creatures we come across in our day-to-day life to create products for our benefit. This is referred to as Biomimicry. A common example is the diving suit and the equipment worn by scuba divers. The dry suit, used for diving in cold water, is designed in a way to mimic the insulation of animal fur and help in maintaining body temperature underwater.
Earlier, upon undergoing surgery, a patient would get a suture, where the skin would get stitched using a sterilised needle and thread. This is done to hold the body tissues together. This promotes healing and reduces the risk of bleeding and further infections. Nowadays, this process is carried out using a surgical staple rather than the traditional suture, as it provides a stronger closure and lower infection risk compared to sutures.
Canadian biomedical engineer and Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, Jeffrey Karp, came up with a novel alternative for these staples. He achieved this feat by taking inspiration from the wonders of nature. Upon closely observing the quills of a porcupine, he realised that they have multiple tiny barbs on the ends of their tips. He, therefore, designed a surgical staple resembling the quill and tested it out on a raw chicken. He observed that this staple slid in easily and created small, clean holes, which did not damage the surrounding tissue. This contrasts with the staples presently used as they leave huge punctures, making it easier to allow bacterial entry.
Although Karp Lab has patented the staple, it has yet to reach the market. It is believed to significantly reduce post-surgery complications, which are associated with current surgical staples. Apart from this, there are several other examples of biomimicry, such as how birds inspired Leonardo DaVinci and the Wright Brothers to invent flight, and how the bur seeds of the burdock plant inspired George de Mestral to invent the infamous Velcro! The root bridges prevalent in Meghalaya are a classic example of bioengineering. They are natural bridges constructed by weaving aerial roots of trees across rivers or valleys and highlight the deeper connection of Khasi tribes with nature.
As science continues to draw inspiration from nature, we find ourselves unravelling mysteries that have existed for time immemorial. By studying and embracing such innovations, we not only advance technology but also deepen our connection with the very environment that sustains us. Perhaps the greatest revelation is that nature itself holds the blueprint for progress, and we just need to learn how to read it.
The Disappearing Pacemaker: A Leap Forward in Heart Healing
Written by Mukul Mittal | Edited by Shreshta Manikandan
In a remarkable breakthrough that can redefine the future of cardiac care, scientists at Northwestern University have developed a revolutionary device: a pacemaker, no larger than a grain of rice, that heals the heart and then vanishes. This wireless, battery-free, bioresorbable marvel offers a safer and smarter alternative to the traditional pacing technology. It has the potential to transform the way we treat heart conditions, especially in infants or post-surgical patients who require temporary pacing but face high surgical risks.
Unlike conventional pacemakers, which rely on invasive procedures, wires, and batteries, this device is injected into the body via a syringe, eliminating the need for a surgical procedure. Once inside the body, it draws power by functioning as a miniature galvanic cell, using the patient’s bodily fluids to generate electricity. Its activation and control are achieved wirelessly through a soft chest patch that emits infrared signals through the skin. These signals travel through the tissues to stimulate the device only when necessary, ensuring efficient pacing without continuous electrical stimulation. Once the heart stabilises, the pacemaker gradually dissolves without leaving behind any material or needing to be extracted, drastically reducing the risk of infection, complications, and follow-up interventions.
This transformative technology is the result of the visionary work of John A. Rogers, a pioneer in bio-integrated electronics, and Igor Efimov, a leading expert in cardiac bioengineering. Together, they have long championed the idea of merging soft, dissolvable electronics with the human body to create devices that are both high-performing and humane. Their research, recently published in the prestigious journal Nature, represents a major leap forward in bioelectronic medicine and has captured the attention of the global scientific community.
They designed this device initially for short-term cardiac pacing, especially in newborns and in patients recovering from surgery. Multiple pacemakers can be tuned to different wavelengths of infrared light, allowing region-specific heart stimulation or even applications beyond cardiology, such as pain management, nerve repair, and bone healing. By customising activation patterns, physicians can tailor treatments to individual needs and potentially extend this approach to other parts of the body.
Rigorous testing has shown that the pacemaker is biocompatible and made of materials that break down naturally in the body without toxic effects. In preclinical trials on animal models, the results were highly promising, and preparations are underway for broader studies and regulatory approvals. Partnerships with medical technology companies aim to bring the device to clinical settings soon.
By eliminating surgical procedures, wires, and batteries, this disappearing pacemaker significantly reduces hospital time, medical costs, and patient trauma. It is particularly suited to low-resource environments, where access to operating rooms or long-term cardiac care is limited. The integration of real-time monitoring and adaptive AI-driven pacing adjustments via the external patch paves the way for a new era of personalised cardiac therapy.
This invention marks a profound shift in healthcare, toward smarter, less invasive solutions where dissolvable electronics quietly aid healing, eliminating the need for wires, scars, or repeated surgeries.
Brain Teaser
Across:
4. The type of suit worn by scuba divers
5. The Indian state where root bridges are prevalent
6. The pacemaker functions as a __________ cell in the body
Down:
1. The type of light which can be tuned to different wavelengths using a pacemaker
2. The pacemaker is ____________ as it breaks down naturally in the body
3. Scientific name for a stitch
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The Science Society
By Infosys Science Foundation