A new study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research evaluated the effectiveness of Inner Dragon, a multifaceted game embedded within the Smoke Free smoking cessation app that prompts users to care for a customizable pet dragon, whose growth reflects the person’s progress towards quitting smoking. The game also encourages use of smoking cessation tools within the app. Among the study participants who had access to Inner Dragon, overall engagement with the Smoke Free app increased by 20 percent compared to those who did not have access to the game, and direct use of the app’s smoking cessation tools increased by a notable 30 percent. 

As critical responders, macrophages can perceive helpful biotechnology as threats. If not created with the right materials or mechanical forces, these devices can trigger an immune response that can cause inflammation, scar tissue or device failure.In an article published in Trends in Biotechnology, researchers highlights= the need to understand macrophage cell behavior to potentially open doors for new or improved biotechnology and targeted immunotherapy treatments.