Nanotyrannus debate reshaped by new fossil, anti-progestin breast cancer prevention shows tissue changes, and the world’s smallest vocal-cord bioprinter | Nature Podcast

Overview

Nature Podcast explores a long-running paleontological debate over Nanotyrannus and its relation to juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex, a small but promising breast cancer prevention study using anti-progestin therapy, and a pioneering 3D bioprinting device aimed at repairing vocal cords from within the throat. The episode also touches on rapid developments in gene editing and practical medical technologies.

Key highlights

The Nanotyrannus fossil study re-evaluates whether Nanotyrannus is a distinct species or a juvenile T. rex, with new adult-age evidence from limb bone cross-sections and museum access enabling fresh analysis. A small clinical trial using ulipristal acetate shows breast tissue becoming less dense and less stiff, suggesting a potential strategy to reduce cancer risk by blocking progesterone signaling. In a separate segment, researchers describe a 2.7 mm wide 3D bioprinter that can deliver hydrogel into vocal cord gaps, inspired by elephant trunks, aiming for precise internal repairs. The CRISPR Briefing chat discusses regulatory pathways and faster, personalized gene therapies for rare diseases, while a clinical trial for CRISPR-based approaches moves toward next year.

Overview

This episode of Nature Podcast examines four major threads in science and medicine: the evolving debate about Nanotyrannus in the Tyrannosaur family, a breast cancer prevention study using an anti-progestin to alter breast tissue characteristics, a novel 3D bioprinting method intended to repair vocal cords from inside the throat, and updates on personalized gene-editing therapies moving toward clinical trials.

Nanotyrannus and the Tyrannosaurus Debate

The discussion centers on a fossil cast and a 1988 reclassification that named Nanotyrannus, a form found in the Hell Creek formation alongside Tyrannosaurus rex. For decades scientists argued whether Nanotyrannus represents a separate species or juvenile T. rex. A newly analyzed, near-complete skull with cross-sectional aging of limb bones suggests it was an adult that would not grow into the size of T. rex, challenging the idea that Nanotyrannus is simply a juvenile T. rex. The researchers’ careful, evidence-based approach stands out in a field where private collectors have held many relevant specimens, complicating access for study. Lawrence Whitmer, a palaeontologist from Ohio University, emphasizes the importance of rigorous evaluation and the potential for previously private fossils to speak more clearly in a museum setting. “The conservative, methodical approach helps the community re-evaluate existing specimens in a new light,” Whitmer notes.

Quote: “We need evidence to support those views, and waiting for new fossils to resolve debates is exciting,” - Lawrence Whitmer

Breast Cancer Prevention with Anti-Progestin

Bruno Simois and colleagues investigated whether blocking progesterone signaling with ulipristal acetate, an anti-progestin already approved for other uses, could reduce the risk environment for cancer development in high-risk premenopausal women. In 12 weeks, breast tissue became less dense and less stiff, indicators associated with reduced cancer risk. They also observed a drop in luminal progenitor cells, which are capable of giving rise to breast cancer, and notable changes in collagen proteins, especially collagen 6, suggesting a possible mechanism for how anti-progestin treatment could influence tissue architecture and cancer risk. Kalinda Schreyer and other experts view these results as promising proof-of-concept for non-surgical risk reduction, though they caution that longer, larger trials are essential to determine long-term efficacy and optimal dosing. The treatment’s existing regulatory approvals could accelerate real-world use if future data confirm benefits. Physicians emphasize that while this represents progress, it does not yet prove cancer prevention in the population at large.

Quote: “Blocking progesterone could target the root processes driving cancer development,” - Kalinda Schreyer

The World’s Smallest Vocal-Cord Bioprinter

Researchers introduced a 2.7-millimeter-wide soft robotic bioprinting device that navigates the narrow space of the larynx to deliver hydrogel precisely to damaged vocal cords. Inspired by the flexibility of an elephant trunk, the device is controlled via a PlayStation-style controller, enabling delicate and accurate placement in a restricted area. While still in early stages, the team envisions future clinical trials and potential expansion to other internal surgical tasks, including adding surgical tools to the end of the printer. Challenges remain in moving from training models to living tissues and animal trials, but the concept demonstrates how micro-robotics and bioprinting can transform internal repair procedures.

Quote: “The miniaturization is key to enabling internal, precise therapies,” - unnamed researcher

CRISPR and Regulatory Progress

The briefing highlights a CRISPR gene-editing clinical trial strategy aiming to treat genetic conditions in newborns or young patients, building on a landmark case where a baby with a severe liver condition received personalized gene therapy. The researchers are negotiating with the FDA to streamline safety data across personalized treatments, potentially shortening the time from design to patient delivery. Experts describe personalized therapies as a rising tide lifting many boats and forecast a clinical trial starting next year. The discussions center on how to balance safety with speed in lifesaving gene-editing therapies.

Quote: “Personalized treatments are the direction we need to steer toward,” - researcher

Closing and Resources

The episode closes with reminders to sign up for the Nature briefing and follow-up details, including links to show notes and further videos and articles.