I know, I know. This may be a little bit off topic, but since it has a direct connection to the future of health of the general public, I’ve got the feeling I have to post this anyway.
Ladies and gentelmen, we’re there. Growing complex organs in a lab and implanting them is no longer science fiction. Seven young patients in the US, between ages 4 and 19, have been given new bladders created in a lab from their own cells.
Just think how many people are waiting for donor organs and how many of them die without getting one they need. Or how many die because an organ results incompatible.
Tissue engineering from your own cells may soon become the answer for optimal “donor” organs. Imagine a donor bank where you’d conserve your own vital organs “fabricated” from your own cells. And when something fails, you replace them. Like a part from your old car.
This is an interesting topic, worth keeping an eye on it.
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April 5th, 2006 at 3:24 am
This is very interesting. I would love to reprint this on my website!
I can see how this could be a real boon in the treatment of chronic diseases like diabetes, too.
April 5th, 2006 at 9:01 am
Exactly! As I understand it you can grow pretty anything with this technique. Any living tissue of the human body. Maybe even improve it genetically first. So if you had a weak heart your whole life, maybe you could improve its genetics and grow a “turbo engine” for your heart.
Then you replace the old one.
You’re welcome to reprint this one. Or maybe just link to this post.