Stanford scientists produced a common cancer drug – previously only available from an endangered plant – in a common laboratory plant. This work could lead to a more stable supply of the drug and allow scientists to manipulate that drug to make it even safer and more effective.

A miniature device that combines optogenetics – using light to control the activity of the brain – with a newly developed technique for wirelessly powering implanted devices is the first fully internal method of delivering optogenetics. The blue glowing device the size of a peppercorn can activate neurons of the brain, spinal cord or limbs in mice and is powered wirelessly using the mouse's…

A new lab robot is an example of how clever robotics might speed research and open new fields of study. Stanford News reports on a team of bioengineering scientists that have created a robot with excellent "hand-eye coordination" that can visually inspect active flies and carry out behavioral experiments.