Scientists create a 'Frankenstein's monster' protein

A STABLE, POROUS SCAFFOLD THAT COAXES BLOOD VESSELS TO FORM. (STEFAN ROBERTS / DUKE UNIVERSITY)

Here’s a bit of scary science for you ahead of Halloween: Scientists have created a "Frankenstein's monster" protein — made of bits and pieces of proteins — that’s designed to help heal tissue. They wanted to create an artificial protein that had structural stability, but also could become liquid or solid based on body temperature changes. The result: Materials that are fluid at room temperature and can be injected, but solidify with body heat and can form a scaffold that encourages blood vessels to form. So far, it’s just a proof of concept — the scientists are hoping to study the material in animals to see if it can be used to help wounds heal.