Sci Robot March 2021 PMID 34043553

A cellular platform for the development of synthetic living machines.

Douglas Blackiston, Emma Lederer, Sam Kriegman, Simon Garnier, Joshua Bongard, Michael Levin

Mentions

205
Peak: 26 in Apr 2021
across 6 sources since Mar 2021

Extended reach

300,721
potential audience

Total likes

132

Video views

27,365

Mentions per month

Mar 2021 – Jun 2025

Where it's discussed

  • News111 articles
  • X / Twitter64 posts
  • Blogs21 articles
  • Facebook4 posts
  • Reddit3 posts
  • YouTube2 videos

AI synopsis

What people are saying

Several discussions highlight specific aspects of the research, such as the capability of xenobots to heal themselves and engage in group behaviors. Phrases like 'game changer' and 'neat' convey excitement and intrigue, while questions about the consciousness of xenobots demonstrate deeper philosophical engagement. The variety in tone—from enthusiastic support to critical questioning—illustrates the diverse perspectives on the implications of synthetic living machines.

AgreementModerate agreement

Many discussions reflect a general understanding and acceptance of the article's findings, though there are some critical perspectives present.

InterestHigh interest

The overall tone suggests a high level of curiosity about the potential of xenobots and synthetic living machines.

EngagementModerate engagement

While some posts express deeper technical engagement, others remain surface-level discussions about the topic.

ImpactHigh impact

Participants believe the publication could have far-reaching significance within biotech and robotics, indicating a high perceived impact.

Abstract in brief

  • Researchers developed biological robots, called xenobots, from frog cells, which can move independently using natural cilia and self-organize without complicated construction.
  • These xenobots can heal from damage, navigate water, and display group behaviors, showcasing the potential for complex interactions among simple biological units.
  • The study also introduces a programmable molecular memory that can store information about light exposure, suggesting diverse applications for self-assembling living machines in fields like biomedicine and environmental science.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Vermont Complex Systems Institute @ UVM
@uvmcomplexity · X

"A cellular platform for the development of synthetic living machines” New paper in @SciRobotics from faculty member @DoctorJosh w/@Kriegmerica & colleagues https://t.co/M4FSWaWesf

Mar 31, 2021 · 7 likes · 2 shares · 5,984 followers View post →
ⓧ web8
@web8xen · X

【Xenobots Paper as ELI5'd by ChatGPT】 Blackiston, Douglas et al. “A cellular platform for the development of synthetic living machines.” Science robotics vol. 6,52 (2021): eabf1571. $XEN #XEN 【

Feb 28, 2024 · 5 likes · 2 shares · 1,413 followers View post →
John Nosta
@JohnNosta · X

Todays KEY (and FASCINATING) READ! A cellular platform for the development of synthetic living machines https://t.co/HaRruIGYWd #biotech #syntheticbiology #digitalhealth

Apr 1, 2021 · 4 likes · 81,397 followers View post →
Living Machines-NCBS
@NCBStheory · X

Apr 7, 2021 · 4 likes · 1 share · 4,155 followers View post →
Sánchez-Migallón
@VNMachine · X

¿O podrían tener consciencia los xenobots? https://t.co/XY8t4OSkLN

Sep 2, 2024 · 4 likes · 1,854 followers View post →
Lifeboat Foundation
@LifeboatHQ · X

A cellular platform for the development of synthetic living machines https://t.co/LCMKLcwYyd

Apr 10, 2021 · 3 likes · 3 shares · 31,601 followers View post →

All mentions

Kim
@Kwells04Wells · X

A cellular platform for the development of synthetic living machines Funding: DARPA 2021 https://t.co/r5UwTbFxwS https://t.co/OPsowoOrRD

Jun 7, 2025 · 1 like · 524 followers View post →
Kim
@Kwells04Wells · X

@chjkfddd20703 And don’t forget about their “aliens” too.. A cellular platform for the development of synthetic living machines Funding: DARPA 2021 https://t.co/r5UwTbFxwS Xenobiology: A new form of life as the ultimate biosafety tool https://t.co/VcqoOej3UP https://t.co/K5Lz3XFN15

Mar 3, 2025 · 1 like · 524 followers View post →
Lacy Johnston
@Lacyjohnston123 · X

@IanHurn0 https://t.co/h4Wu9hdi8q

Nov 5, 2024 · 1 like · 1,601 followers View post →
Ellie Beacon
@EliotBeacon · X

https://t.co/vxB9xj8Bqq

Sep 20, 2024 · 1 like · 2,020 followers View post →
MR IS ON 725until
@Mister_is_on · X

https://t.co/JAiycraSgQ

Sep 16, 2024 · 282 followers View post →
Sánchez-Migallón
@VNMachine · X

¿O podrían tener consciencia los xenobots? https://t.co/XY8t4OSkLN

Sep 2, 2024 · 4 likes · 1,854 followers View post →
~o00O00oo; )
@TubaPhat · X

In addition to instructing your body to make soft actuators as that are pegylated hexagonal proteins in the interstitial layers of the vascular system, your “Dose of Hope” offers these fun critters that keep a close eye on your health and location. https://t.co/C66TItxpbg https://t.co/weKknPH2yy

Mar 14, 2024 · 71 followers View post →
XEN DOG
@AlexTouch2013 · X

RT @web8xen: 【Xenobots Paper as ELI5'd by ChatGPT】 Blackiston, Douglas et al. “A cellular platform for the development of synthetic living…

Feb 28, 2024 · 2 shares · 1,361 followers View post →
ⓧ nord clika
@ClikaNord · X

RT @web8xen: 【Xenobots Paper as ELI5'd by ChatGPT】 Blackiston, Douglas et al. “A cellular platform for the development of synthetic living…

Feb 28, 2024 · 2 shares · 765 followers View post →
ⓧ web8
@web8xen · X

【Xenobots Paper as ELI5'd by ChatGPT】 Blackiston, Douglas et al. “A cellular platform for the development of synthetic living machines.” Science robotics vol. 6,52 (2021): eabf1571. $XEN #XEN 【

Feb 28, 2024 · 5 likes · 2 shares · 1,413 followers View post →
Simo Lång
@Reflection0001 · X

Frog cells transform into tiny living robots | Science News https://t.co/VFZeXgLpEJ käyttäen @YouTube

Feb 21, 2023 · 1,343 followers View post →
Nigel Ten Fleming
@TenFleming · X

Programmable live bots. “In addition, we provide proof of principle for a writable molecular memory using a photoconvertible protein that can record exposure to a specific wavelength of light.” https://t.co/VehTnQBG6q

Dec 10, 2022 · 2,226 followers View post →
Nigel Ten Fleming
@TenFleming · X

Programmable live bots. “We constructed a computational model to predict useful collective behaviors that can be elicited from a xenobot swarm.” https://t.co/VehTnQBG6q

Dec 10, 2022 · 2,226 followers View post →
Nigel Ten Fleming
@TenFleming · X

Live bots. “We show that the xenobots can navigate aqueous environments in diverse ways, heal after damage, and show emergent group behaviors.” https://t.co/VehTnQBG6q

Dec 10, 2022 · 2,226 followers View post →
Nigel Ten Fleming
@TenFleming · X

Live bots. “The biological robots arise by cellular self-organization and do not require scaffolds or microprinting; the amphibian cells are highly amenable to surgical, genetic, chemical, and optical stimulation during the self-assembly process.” https://t.co/VehTnQjwSi

Dec 10, 2022 · 2,226 followers View post →
Nigel Ten Fleming
@TenFleming · X

Xenobots. “These cilia arise through normal tissue patterning and do not require complicated construction methods or genomic editing, making production amenable to high-throughput projects.” https://t.co/VehTnQBG6q

Dec 10, 2022 · 2,226 followers View post →
Nigel Ten Fleming
@TenFleming · X

Xenobots. “We report here a method for generation of in vitro biological robots from frog (Xenopus laevis) cells. These xenobots exhibit coordinated locomotion via cilia present on their surface.” https://t.co/VehTnQBG6q

Dec 10, 2022 · 2,226 followers View post →
Nigel Ten Fleming
@TenFleming · X

Robot swarms. “However, the exploitation of emergent self-organization and functional plasticity into a self-directed living machine has remained a major challenge.” https://t.co/VehTnQBG6q

Dec 10, 2022 · 2,226 followers View post →
Nigel Ten Fleming
@TenFleming · X

“Robot swarms have, to date, been constructed from artificial materials. Motile biological constructs have been created from muscle cells grown on precisely shaped scaffolds.” https://t.co/VehTnQBG6q

Dec 10, 2022 · 2,226 followers View post →
Xapiens at MIT
@XapiensMIT · X

A cellular platform for the development of synthetic living machines https://t.co/Z9z8htEb2V https://t.co/6YGVau2Dhv

May 23, 2022 · 35 followers View post →
Scottie Drippn
@SpillinBee · X

Hmmmm... https://t.co/K1C1J4q3P1 + https://t.co/O12AMG4QMh = ??? https://t.co/baMlbti0Gb

Jan 18, 2022 · 151 followers View post →
Cecile Tamura
@ceciletamura · X

RT @radsci: @ceciletamura https://t.co/dU3BS2pTrq

Jan 13, 2022 · 1 share · 2,870 followers View post →
Ely Rabani #GazaTruceNow
@radsci · X

@ceciletamura https://t.co/dU3BS2pTrq

Jan 13, 2022 · 1 like · 1 share · 2,519 followers View post →
Ted Pavlic (he/him/his)
@TedPavlic · X

@BiotechMongoose @Twitter When did I become part of the "powerful?" Being called out by name as someone whose brain is a sign of a glitch in Matrix doesn't really make me feel like I've got a lot of clout. Paper that introduced "Xenobots" & popularized term was in @SciRobotics. https://t.co/yiZ1G9Nzvy

Dec 2, 2021 · 2,680 followers View post →
Ted Pavlic (he/him/his)
@TedPavlic · X

@MadS100tist @ScienceMagazine The title of the original paper was "A cellular platform for the development of synthetic living machines", and they justify the use of "synthetic living machines" (which describe the functional aggregates, not necessarily the generic animal caps) within. https://t.co/i2hjXZDC2G

Dec 1, 2021 · 2,680 followers View post →
Ted Pavlic (he/him/his)
@TedPavlic · X

@MadS100tist And to be clear, the SciRob paper title was, "A cellular platform for the **development of** synthetic living machines", and it referred to using "animal caps" (explicitly in Introduction) for a novel engineering (not scientific inference) purpose. https://t.co/i2hjXZDC2G

Dec 1, 2021 · 2,680 followers View post →
【非公式】ひろ@猫もふ欠乏症
@hiro_h · X

hmm... https://t.co/3lmEBRpxjQ

Nov 30, 2021 · 1,246 followers View post →
Xenpapers
@Xenpaper · X

A cellular platform for the development of synthetic living machines https://t.co/9Y1I9A9fVM https://t.co/Dh7hxpURiz

May 28, 2021 · 247 followers View post →
Web Newsmaker
@speedealz · X

A cellular platform for the development of synthetic living machines via https://t.co/yeEjeZRzY4 https://t.co/Ia1O1BxZeM

May 4, 2021 · 151 followers View post →
Kelu Ghosh
@kelu124 · X

"A cellular platform for the development of synthetic living machines" -- aka #xenobots. Interesting read and curious to see what will emerge. Looks like a verifiable #verilog of 'living bots'. "Collections of them in a petri dish act like a community" ^^ https://t.co/Q6uHpBl2Qw https://t.co/LIBWruRwSO

May 2, 2021 · 2 likes · 423 followers View post →
Hacker News 20
@betterhn20 · X

A cellular platform for the development of synthetic living machines https://t.co/oRiVhcE4rp (https://t.co/6lrMhesae9)

May 2, 2021 · 2,231 followers View post →
Leo Di Camillo
@leoneldicamillo · X

A cellular platform for the development of synthetic living machines https://t.co/wkX8qgjsid

May 2, 2021 · 13,069 followers View post →
Winson Tang
@winsontang · X

A cellular platform for the development of synthetic living machines https://t.co/xuXeGh9I4e https://t.co/1CViUQVB3X

May 2, 2021 · 9,042 followers View post →
Chopsooy♥️BC.GAME
@CholettR · X

A cellular platform for the development of synthetic living machines https://t.co/QKrEyDcAPx 8

May 2, 2021 · 48 followers View post →
HN Front Page
@hn_frontpage · X

A cellular platform for the development of synthetic living machines L: https://t.co/93Iochiddo C: https://t.co/GFsCtTAX95

May 2, 2021 · 2,549 followers View post →
Angsuman on Tech
@AngsumansServer · X

A cellular platform for the development of synthetic living machines https://t.co/5rfXwuFxLV

May 2, 2021 · 127 followers View post →
Axiom4tic
@axiom4tic · X

Wissenschaft macht BRRR https://t.co/2zyeBf1j8u Einfach mal reproduktionsfähige synthetische Zellen basteln ist schon krass. Schönes Erklärvideo. Wer nur die Paper lesen will: https://t.co/8z8t52wted 10.1126/scirobotics.abf1571

Apr 23, 2021 · 232 followers View post →
Hyper Recruitment Solutions
@Hyperec_HRS · X

Frog cells transform into tiny living robots | Science News #Science #HRS https://t.co/zI4OaUvrm2 https://t.co/T4dS33NzKe

Apr 19, 2021 · 36,989 followers View post →
panah
@panah · X

Living robots made from frog cells can swim, navigate tubes, move particles into piles and even heal themselves after injury https://t.co/PTV9yfeYjn https://t.co/1xjL3wR0Fr

Apr 14, 2021 · 7,606 followers View post →
Gretchen Dorn
@gdorn1 · X

RT @LifeboatHQ: A cellular platform for the development of synthetic living machines https://t.co/LCMKLcwYyd

Apr 11, 2021 · 3 shares · 6,340 followers View post →
BCNT
@BCNThomson · X

A cellular platform for the development of synthetic living machines https://t.co/rYfBrlZTsy

Apr 10, 2021 · 459 followers View post →
I
@olko_i · X

RT @LifeboatHQ: A cellular platform for the development of synthetic living machines https://t.co/LCMKLcwYyd

Apr 10, 2021 · 3 shares · 154 followers View post →
Chaitanya Joshi
@chaitanyajoshi · X

RT @LifeboatHQ: A cellular platform for the development of synthetic living machines https://t.co/LCMKLcwYyd

Apr 10, 2021 · 3 shares · 2,153 followers View post →
Lifeboat Foundation
@LifeboatHQ · X

A cellular platform for the development of synthetic living machines https://t.co/LCMKLcwYyd

Apr 10, 2021 · 3 likes · 3 shares · 31,601 followers View post →
UltimApe
@ultimape · X

"A cellular platform for the development of synthetic living machines" https://t.co/QBmr19L6iA https://t.co/91tE2KXv98 Neat. https://t.co/aHFezJ2cNW

Apr 9, 2021 · 6,456 followers View post →
Paul McAdam
@jazzfool · X

A cellular platform for the development of synthetic living machines https://t.co/CKbDqSqMGd

Apr 9, 2021 · 1 like · 1,472 followers View post →
Meagan Phelan
@MeaganPhelan · X

*Job opportunity* at @SciRobotics (https://t.co/tewqBc1OBA), which constantly publishes fascinating research, like this recent study showing how embryonic frog cells could be transformed into synthetic living machines https://t.co/Pl5P9BXEYy

Apr 8, 2021 · 1,963 followers View post →
M.Ü. Biyolojik Bilimler Kulübü
@mubiyoloji · X

Kaynak: Science News / Frog skin cells turned themselves into living machines / Laura Sanders / 31 MART 2021, 14:13 D. Blackiston et al. A cellular platform for the development of synthetic living machines. Science Robotics. March 31, 2021. doi: 10.1126/scirobotics.abf1571.

Apr 8, 2021 · 502 followers View post →
Arnold Mathijssen
@AJTM_M · X

RT @NCBStheory:

Apr 7, 2021 · 1 share · 2,340 followers View post →
Living Machines-NCBS
@NCBStheory · X

Apr 7, 2021 · 4 likes · 1 share · 4,155 followers View post →
Alejandra TUCU
@tucu_alejandra · X

A cellular platform for the development of synthetic living machines https://t.co/IiGaXWM13y

Apr 7, 2021 · 1 followers View post →
Jeanne Bark
@marc_herb · X

A cellular platform for the development of synthetic living machines https://t.co/XZtCUuaPrm

Apr 6, 2021 · 643 followers View post →
Siegfried Treitner
@TreitnerS · X

A #cellular platform for the development of #synthetic #living #machines https://t.co/h3lZg8F5QK

Apr 5, 2021 · 2,108 followers View post →
Dr. Eileen Choffnes
@EileenChoffnes · X

A cellular platform for the development of synthetic living machines https://t.co/LJTruoi8Cy

Apr 5, 2021 · 939 followers View post →
Jim Haber
@Yeastdoc1 · X

DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.abf1571

Apr 4, 2021 · 2 likes · 295 followers View post →
Victor V. Lobanenkov
@boris_ctcf · X

Living Machines That Move, Heal, Remember and Work in Groups. Creating Xenobots from frog cells is published in the journal of Science Robotics article titled “A cellular platform for the development of synthetic living machines” https://t.co/9meh6TQ4WZ via @GENbio

Apr 3, 2021 · 1 like · 2,043 followers View post →
Max
@MaxAragon · X

Xenobots: A cellular platform for the development of synthetic living machines https://t.co/2l1JkR6Jeb

Apr 2, 2021 · 2 likes · 249 followers View post →
Empire of Atheism, Government of Science, Military
@EscherZen · X

RT @uvmcomplexity: "A cellular platform for the development of synthetic living machines” New paper in @SciRobotics from faculty member @D…

Apr 1, 2021 · 2 shares · 179 followers View post →
John Nosta
@JohnNosta · X

Todays KEY (and FASCINATING) READ! A cellular platform for the development of synthetic living machines https://t.co/HaRruIGYWd #biotech #syntheticbiology #digitalhealth

Apr 1, 2021 · 4 likes · 81,397 followers View post →
Sergio Lavandero
@sergiolavandero · X

A cellular platform for the development of synthetic living machines https://t.co/VWOdFgpSSg

Apr 1, 2021 · 1,483 followers View post →
Arjuna Rajakumar, PhD
@ArjunaRajakumar · X

RT @Rajee_Rajakumar:

Mar 31, 2021 · 1 share · 1,154 followers View post →
Rajendhran Rajakumar
@Rajee_Rajakumar · X

Mar 31, 2021 · 1 like · 1 share · 1,271 followers View post →
Roberto Santana
@ai_research · X

RT @uvmcomplexity: "A cellular platform for the development of synthetic living machines” New paper in @SciRobotics from faculty member @D…

Mar 31, 2021 · 2 shares · 815 followers View post →
Vermont Complex Systems Institute @ UVM
@uvmcomplexity · X

"A cellular platform for the development of synthetic living machines” New paper in @SciRobotics from faculty member @DoctorJosh w/@Kriegmerica & colleagues https://t.co/M4FSWaWesf

Mar 31, 2021 · 7 likes · 2 shares · 5,984 followers View post →