Protein nanopores have been used for various aspects of sensing and sequencing in which individual molecules or the building blocks of polymers are detected by observing the modulation of transmembrane ionic currents. While a molecule or residue is resident within a pore, certain attributes of it can be observed, leading to its identification. A prominent aspect of this application of nanopores has been the development of DNA and RNA sequencing by Oxford Nanopore Technologies. More recently, attention has turned to the analysis of proteins, especially their post-translational modifications, and advances have been made in full-length polypeptide translocation and amino acid sidechain identification. There has also been renewed progress in the detection of small molecules. In particular, covalent nanopore sensing is proving invaluable for the detection of analytes in complex mixtures. In this variation of nanopore sensing, molecules form transient covalent bonds with the wall of a nanopore. Nanopores have also proved useful in the fabrication of synthetic tissues. Synthetic tissues are compartmented materials constructed by 3D printing and related technologies. Nanopores allow the compartments to communicate with each other and the outside world. Synthetic tissues can undergo shape change, transmit electrical signals, release drug molecules with spatiotemporal control, form tiny batteries and form soft iontronic devices including a logic circuits. Fabricated tissues, especially hybrids of synthetic tissues with printed living cells, may be useful for the repair of damaged organs.