Posted on 03/08/2016 2:11:08 PM PST by 2ndDivisionVet
Researchers report that they've made progress toward using 3D printing technology to produce human tissue.
The Harvard scientists say they've managed to create tissue in the laboratory that has vessels -- potentially allowing the tissue to be fed by blood -- and can survive for weeks.
Despite accomplishing that feat, scientists still aren't close to producing human tissue that could be transplanted into the body and replace organs such as hearts and lungs, experts noted.
But Dr. Anthony Atala, a specialist who's familiar with the study, said the new research is promising.
"It shows what can happen in the laboratory when it comes to developing human-like tissue," Atala said, particularly when it comes to creating tissue that can be fed by bodily fluids, such as blood and plasma. Atala is director of the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine at Wake Forest University, in Winston-Salem, N.C.
The mission: to use 3D "bioprinters" to create muscle, bone and even organ cells. So far, scientists have had some success, with the Wake Forest Institute implanting bioprinted tissue into rodents and even creating a synthetic baby-sized ear recently, Atala said.
But there are still big hurdles....
(Excerpt) Read more at health.usnews.com ...
Where are the DNA driven printers?
When will they start 3-d printing whole people?
Mebbe just a sammich.
When they can 3D print a pair human breasts that I can use for a pillow, then they will be able to really monetize this technology!
I LOL'D
I’m ready for a full rebuild!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.