In this episode:00:46 An injectable gel for healing musclesSevere muscle injury can be debilitating, with long recuperation periods. Now, researchers have developed a material that can be directly injected into injured muscle, helping to stimulate and heal damaged tissue. The team showed this approach could rapidly restore walking ability in severely injured rats and regenerate muscles within four weeks. They hope that this solution could one day help humans with similar injuries, and overcome some of the limitations of current recuperation strategies.Research article: Jin et al.News and Views: Hydrogel implant rehabilitates muscles through electrical stimulation10:02 Research HighlightsAncient human genomes fill in a missing link between Europe’s first humans and later arrivals, and how ferns are inspiring pest-resistant crops.Research Highlight: Ancient DNA reveals traces of elusive first humans in EuropeResearch Highlight: Fierce ferns make insect-fighting proteins12:43 Briefing ChatLargest release of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes shows promise at controlling dengue, and the genes that explain why starfish aren’t so symmetrical.Nature News: Dengue rates drop after release of modified mosquitoes in ColombiaVideo: How would a starfish wear trousers? Science has an answerResearch Article: Formery et al.Subscribe to Nature Briefing, an unmissable daily round-up of science news, opinion and analysis free in your inbox every weekday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.