Jun 14
In the grand scheme of history our medical devices will (hopefully) seem quite primitive to people of the future. And if we make as many advances in the future as we have since the 1920s, we’ll all be cybernetic demigods in no time.
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Feb 05
Scientists 3D-print embryonic stem cells, pave the way for lab-made organ transplants
Posted in: Today's Chili 
3D printers already have a firm footing the commercial market, with more than 20 models available for well-heeled DIYers, and the technology’s appeal isn’t lost on the scientific community. A team at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland has developed a method for 3D-printing clusters of human embryonic stem cells in a variety of sizes. Researchers have successfully printed 3D cells before, but this is the first time that embryonic cell cultures, which are especially delicate, have been built in three dimensions. Human embryonic stem cells can replicate almost any type of tissue in the human body — and the scientists at Heriot-Watt believe that lab-made versions could one day be used to make organ transplants, thereby rendering donors unnecessary. In the nearer future, 3D-printed stem cells could be used to make human tissue models for drug testing; effectively eliminating the need for animal testing. Makes that Burritob0t look a little less ambitious, doesn’t it?
Source: Heriot-Watt University
Jun 28
Regenerative medicine pioneer continues changing lives with first successful laryngotracheal implants
Posted in: Today's Chili 
Dr. Paolo Macchiarini is no stranger to world firsts, and less than a year after performing a synthetic windpipe transplant, the Karolinska Institute Professor has coordinated no less than two successful transplants of synthetic sections of larynx. Amazingly, both patients were able to breathe and talk normally straight after surgery, the basic functions we take for granted that they either struggled with or were simply unable to do before. The implants consisted of personally designed synthetic scaffolds coated with the candidates’ own stem cells, so there’s neither the chance of rejection nor the burden of life-long immunosuppressant therapy. Despite the amazing feat, Dr. Macchiarini ain’t done yet, claiming this is the first of many steps towards building a synthetic, complete larynx — voice box and all. Jump past the break for the official PR issued by Harvard Bioscience, the company responsible for growing what’s in that tub.
Regenerative medicine pioneer continues changing lives with first successful laryngotracheal implants originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Jun 2012 05:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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