Functional nucleic acids (FNAs) achieve specific target recognition, molecular binding and catalytic activity by folding into defined secondary and tertiary structures. This Review focuses on two major classes of FNAs — aptamers and DNAzymes — and discusses their structural features, production strategies and engineering approaches as well as their clinical applications in diagnostics, targeted therapy and precision medicine.

Cells convert mechanical forces into biochemical signals through mechanotransduction, a process which can now be synthetically engineered. In this Review, we examine engineered artificial mechanotransduction mechanisms, from gene circuits responsive to mechanical cues to synthetic force-generating systems that reshape tissue behaviour and cellular function.

This Review discusses sex-related differences in brain disorders and surveys in vitro models, including 2D and 3D organ-on-a-chip technologies. It emphasizes the need to address sex-related differences in brain research, which remain under researched in 2025.

Bioelectronic devices enable real-time monitoring, diagnosis and treatment by blending biological processes with electronic technology. This Review examines the material property landscape of low-dimensional materials in bioelectronic systems by device component, emphasizing their role in enabling the development of miniaturized bioelectronic platforms for wireless and connected health-care applications.

Although medical devices remain out of reach for many, smartphones are now in the hands of most of the world’s population. Turning these everyday tools into diagnostic devices could thus be a game-changer for global healthcare access, but only if trust is earned and privacy protected.

An article in Nature Communications reports bioprinted trophoblast organoids as models of early placental development.

Bacteria can be engineered to metabolize inflammation by-products for the treatment of inflammation-mediated diseases. We created a spin-off company to translate bioengineered Escherichia coli Nissle into a live therapeutic product, navigating translational, regulatory and biotech mindset challenges. Here, I provide some generalizable insights into academic entrepreneurship.

An article in Nature Communications reports a magnetically guided biohybrid microrobot system for active and efficient pneumonia therapy in vivo.

Bio-inspired path integration and neural mapping enable robots to navigate autonomously in global positioning system (GPS)-denied environments such as disaster zones, space and deep oceans.

Soft robots, such as silicone pneumatic networks or tendon actuated fingers, can be built at low cost and feature human-centered designs. The accessibility and real-life applications of soft robots make them ideal for educational outreach programs aimed at encouraging students to pursue biorobotics careers.