January 02, 2018

Professor Andrew Pelling, founder of Pelling Lab at the University of Ottawa’s Department of Physics, and his team of 17 researchers focus on augmented biology, the science of manipulating living systems so that their cells respond to artificial stimuli to form living, biological objects that don’t currently exist in nature. He recently gained attention for biohacking apple and human cells to make a human ear. The process could eventually be used in regenerative medicine and for grafting skin and bone. Pelling credits the lab’s innovation to a concept called “curiosity-driven research,” in which taking chances and risking failure are highly encouraged. Lend a real ear to hear more about Andrew Pelling and his lab in this week’s podcast.