ATP-Bio Impacts

WHAT"S HAPPENING

ATP-Bio CryoClips: Research Impact

ATP-Bio CryoClips deliver quick, engaging looks at the cutting-edge science and technology emerging from the NSF Engineering Research Center for Advanced Technologies for the Preservation of Biological Systems (ATP-Bio).

Each month, these short videos and animations break down key discoveries, breakthrough technologies, and high-impact publications—transforming complex research into clear, plain-language stories anyone can understand.

From cryopreservation innovations to next-generation biotechnologies, CryoClips highlight how ATP-Bio research is shaping the future of medicine, conservation, and global access to living systems.

Monthly research spotlights
Short explainers and animations
Making breakthrough science accessible to all
Discover how ATP-Bio is MAKING LIVING SYSTEMS ACCESSIBLE TO ALL

Click to View YouTube Playlist

Project 1: Organoids

Organoids are tiny, lab-grown versions of human organs that help scientists study how our bodies work and develop new medicines. With more support to make, store, and share these mini-organs, we can speed up discoveries that improve health and healthcare around the world.

Read more here: Atala, A., Bischof, J.C., Chen, C.S., Fisher, J.P., Hermanson, D.L., Howe, C.L., Low, W.C., Ma, Z., McKenna, D.H., Palecek, S.P., Temenoff, J.S., Ogle, B.M. (2025). The need for an organoid manufacturing, preservation, and distribution center. Stem Cells Translational Medicine. 14 (7), [szaf031]. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/stcltm/szaf031

Project 2: Pausing Biological Time

Scientists are developing new ways to “pause” biological time using cutting-edge biopreservation techniques like supercooling and vitrification. These methods could greatly extend how long donor organs remain viable outside the body — shifting organ transplants from urgent, last-minute procedures to carefully planned surgeries. This breakthrough holds the potential to not only save more lives, but also make organ distribution more fair and equitable.
As we explore these powerful technologies, it’s vital that we do so ethically – ensuring access is guided by need, not privilege, and that advances serve the common good.

Read more here: Pruett, T.L., Wolf, S.M., McVan, C.C., Lyon, P., Capron, A.M., Childress, J.F., Evans, B.J., Finger, E.B., Hyun, I., Isasi, R., Marchant, G.E., Maynard, A.D., Oye, K.A., Toner, M., Uygun, K., Bischof, J.C. (2025). Governing new technologies that stop biological time: Preparing for prolonged biopreservation of human organs in transplantation. American Journal of Transplantation. 25 (2), [269-276]. https://www.amjtransplant.org/article/S1600-6135(24)00572-0/abstract.

ATP-Bio Freeze Frames: People Impact

Welcome to ATP-Bio Freeze Frames, a video series spotlighting the people driving innovation across the NSF Engineering Research Center for Advanced Technologies for the Preservation of Biological Systems (ATP-Bio).

Each month, our “Faces of ATP-Bio” interviews feature students, postdocs, faculty, and industry mentors whose work is advancing the science and technology of biopreservation—from breakthrough publications and collaborative projects to real-world applications and personal journeys.

These stories are drawn from across ATP-Bio’s community and programs—including highlights from our newsletters, events, research profiles, and partner networks—capturing the human impact behind the science.

New videos every month
Featuring voices from academia, industry, and innovation
Discover how ATP-Bio is MAKING LIVING SYSTEMS ACCESSIBLE TO ALL

Click to View YouTube Playlist

Project 1: ATP-Bio Coloring Book

Did you know some animals can freeze… and still stay alive? Yep — their hearts stop beating, but they don’t die!

Welcome to the ATP-Bio Coloring Book, brought to you by the NSF ATP-Bio Center — where science, engineering, and the natural world come together in amazing ways!