A fascinating article reporting the generation of a "biohybrid device" - namely, a fish-shaped mechanical device which is able to swim through contraction of engineered human heart cells. The aim of the research is ultimately to understand more about the heart, and potentially to be able to produce replacement heart tissues for patients.

The same team has previously designed other bio-inspired creations, including a jellyfish and a stingray. The current paper, published in Science, notes that the authors have filed a patent application for the latest work.

In this research, the team built the first autonomous biohybrid device made from human stem-cell derived cardiomyocytes. This device was inspired by the shape and swimming motion of a zebrafish.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.