A robot trained on videos of surgeries performed a lengthy phase of a gallbladder removal without human help. The robot operated for the first time on a lifelike patient, and during the operation, responded to and learned from voice commands from the team—like a novice surgeon working with a mentor.

The robot performed unflappably across trials and with the expertise of a skilled human surgeon, even during unexpected scenarios typical in real life medical emergencies.

Zebrafish have the rare ability to regenerate their heart muscle after major damage, unlike humans. Researchers have now discovered the gene circuit that accomplishes this — an embryonic circuit that zebrafish are able to reactivate as adults. By identifying the gene or genes that trigger this reactivation, the scientists hope to be able to revive the dormant heart-repair circuit in other animals, such as humans, and perhaps reactivate dormant repair circuits in other tissues.

For the first time, a fluorescent-guided nerve imaging agent shows promise for use in humans, according to a paper published in Nature Communications. The study sought to evaluate the safety of bevonescein, a synthetic peptide-dye conjugate thought to be applicable for intraoperative nerve-specific fluorescence imaging.

CSHL’s Lippman and McCandlish labs have discovered how interactions between cryptic genetic mutations can increase or decrease the number of reproductive branches on tomato plants. The scientists’ findings could lead to new and improved plant breeding techniques and clinical therapeutics.

A new study from the University of Pittsburgh shows for the first time how exercise improves cancer outcomes and enhances response to immunotherapy in mice by reshaping the gut microbiome.