In this episode:

00:46 An injectable gel for healing muscles

Severe muscle injury can be debilitating, with long recuperation periods. Now, researchers have developed a material that can be directly injected into injured muscle, helping to stimulate and heal damaged tissue. The team showed this approach could rapidly restore walking ability in severely injured rats and regenerate muscles within four weeks. They hope that this solution could one day help humans with similar injuries, and overcome some of the limitations of current recuperation strategies.

Research article: Jin et al.

News and Views: Hydrogel implant rehabilitates muscles through electrical stimulation

10:02 Research Highlights

Ancient human genomes fill in a missing link between Europe’s first humans and later arrivals, and how ferns are inspiring pest-resistant crops.

Research Highlight: Ancient DNA reveals traces of elusive first humans in Europe

Research Highlight: Fierce ferns make insect-fighting proteins

12:43 Briefing Chat

Largest release of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes shows promise at controlling dengue, and the genes that explain why starfish aren’t so symmetrical.

Nature News: Dengue rates drop after release of modified mosquitoes in Colombia

Video: How would a starfish wear trousers? Science has an answer

Research Article: Formery et al.

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A new hydrogel can be directly injected into muscle to help it regenerate

Nature Podcast