Cyborg Implants Help Lab-grown Pancreas Cells Mature

New electronic device could provide basis for cell-based diabetes therapies

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Researchers have developed a new electronic implant system that can help lab-grown pancreatic cells mature and function properly, potentially providing a basis for novel, cell-based therapies for diabetes. The approach incorporates an ultrathin mesh of conductive wires into growing pancreatic tissue, providing controlled electrical pulses to help the cells develop and function as they should.

Why it matters

This cyborg-like device represents a promising step forward in the development of cell-based treatments for diabetes, a chronic condition that affects millions worldwide. By helping lab-grown pancreatic cells mature and function properly, this technology could lay the groundwork for therapies that replace damaged or dysfunctional cells in the body.

The details

The device, created by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard University, is described as a "bionic", "cybernetic", or "cyborg" implant. It works by incorporating an ultrathin mesh of conductive wires into growing pancreatic tissue, providing controlled electrical pulses to help the cells develop and function as they should, similar to how deep brain stimulation helps neurological conditions or pacemakers help the heart.

  • The study was published on February 20, 2026.

The players

Juan Alvarez

An assistant professor of Cell and Developmental Biology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, who worked on developing the cyborg implant.

Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

The medical school where the cyborg implant was developed.

School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Harvard University

The engineering school that collaborated with the University of Pennsylvania on developing the cyborg implant.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The words 'bionic', 'cybernetic', 'cyborg', all of those apply to the device we've created.”

— Juan Alvarez, Assistant Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology (Mirage News)

“What we're doing is like deep stimulation for the pancreas. Just like pacemakers help the heart keep rhythm, controlled electrical pulses can help pancreatic cells develop and function the way they're supposed to.”

— Juan Alvarez, Assistant Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology (Mirage News)

What’s next

The researchers plan to continue testing the cyborg implant in further studies to evaluate its long-term effectiveness and safety for potential use in cell-based diabetes therapies.

The takeaway

This innovative cyborg implant represents a significant advancement in the field of regenerative medicine, demonstrating the potential of combining electronic devices with living cells to help treat chronic conditions like diabetes. If proven successful in further research, this technology could pave the way for novel, cell-based therapies that restore proper pancreatic function.