MIT Technology Review has identified nine young researchers transforming the biotech field, featuring innovations in maternal health, neural interfaces, gene editing, and AI-designed viruses.
Key facts
- •Paschal Kija's $70 wrap stopped postpartum bleeding in 73% of study participants within 20 minutes.
- •Xiao Yang uses kirigami-inspired honeycomb structures to create flexible electrodes for studying brain cells.
- •Sarah Grandinette helped develop a personalized gene-editing treatment for a child with a rare genetic disorder.
- •Samuel King used generative AI to design bacteriophages that can replicate and infect bacteria.
- •Life Biosciences began human testing of a cellular reprogramming therapy in June to address eye disease.
MIT Technology Review has released its annual list of 35 Innovators Under 35, highlighting nine individuals currently advancing the field of biotechnology. The selected researchers are developing diverse technologies, ranging from low-cost medical devices for postpartum hemorrhage to generative AI models for creating synthetic viruses and gene-editing therapies for rare genetic disorders.
By the numbers
Medical Devices and Neural Research
Paschal Kija, 28, developed the Mkanda Salama, a $70 wrap designed to treat postpartum hemorrhage, which accounts for approximately 29% of maternal deaths in Tanzania. A study indicated the device stopped bleeding in 73% of women within 20 minutes. Meanwhile, 34-year-old Xiao Yang is developing flexible, ultra-small brain electrodes inspired by the Japanese paper-cutting art of kirigami. Her honeycomb-shaped spiral designs aim to minimize brain tissue damage while studying neurological activity.
Gene Editing and AI-Designed Viruses
Sarah Grandinette, 26, contributed to a personalized gene-editing therapy for a child born with a rare, fatal genetic disorder. By testing potential medicines in mice and monkeys, the team successfully treated the patient, who received his first dose at seven months old. Separately, 27-year-old Samuel King used generative AI to create genetic blueprints for bacteriophages. These printed DNA strands successfully replicated and infected bacterial cells, suggesting potential future applications in medicine and environmental cleanup.
Longevity and Cellular Reprogramming
Yuancheng (Ryan) Lu, 34, is working on cellular reprogramming therapy, which aims to reset cells to an embryonic-like state. Following a 2020 study where the therapy reversed vision loss in aged mice, the biotech company Life Biosciences began testing a similar version in humans, dosing its first volunteer in June.
Advertisement
This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by MIT Technology Review.
