It looks like more of Star Trek's science fiction is becoming science fact. NASA is working with a Texas-based company to develop two new devises. One that will build 3d human cells, and another one that will treat pain externally without medications. We're wondering if the Dermal Regenerator will be the next "flip phone"...

Nasa has signed a deal to create ‘novel biotechnology’ devices including a system that builds 3D human cells, and another that treats pain externally.

The gadgets will be built under patent licensing agreements in partnership with Texas-based GRoK Technologies and are the results of the agency's Technology Transfer Program.

The first device, called BioReplicates, will let users create 3D human tissue models that can be used for drug and cosmetic testing.

They will increase the ‘safety, efficacy and toxicity’ of current tests and add ‘greater accuracy, reliability and cost-efficiency.’

Nasa said the technology could help reduce animal testing, too.

The technology would work in a similar way to the dermal regenerators used in Star Trek and future models could one day heal wounds automatically.
 

NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter took some very cool pictures recently. Specifically of a dune field on the Martian surface in a large crater. There, the dunes in question have formed into shapes reminiscent of the Starfleet insignia. Well, we know this isn't product placement...but if it were, that's one gigantic billboard.

NASA says, "In this image of a dune field on Mars in a large crater near Mawrth Vallis, some of the dunes appear to be in a V-shaped formation. For dune fields, the spacing of individual dunes is a function of sand supply, wind speed, and topography." See their write-up here.

(Source: NASA, JPL)

Not only is sending a mystery-solving spacecraft to Mars super cool, but NASA just managed to add a bigger cool factor by having Star Trek: The Next Generation's LeVar Burton be their spokesperson for their new PSA.

“NASA is returning to Mars. Why? Well, to help solve one of the big Martian mysteries. Where did all of that Mars water go?", Burton says as he opens the video.

It may not be the U.S.S. Enterprise, but the new MAVEN spacecraft and mission sounds incredibly exciting, none the less. Be sure to check out NASA's video, here. And you can find more information about the MAVEN mission, here.

NASA's official news release states: