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The next frontier in 3-D printing: Human organs

by David Braybrooke
4 replies
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The emerging process of 3-D printing, which uses computer-created digital models to create real-world objects, has produced everything from toys to jewelry to food.

Soon, however, 3-D printers may be spitting out something far more complex, and controversial: human organs.

For years now, medical researchers have been reproducing human cells in laboratories by hand to create blood vessels, urine tubes, skin tissue and other living body parts. But engineering full organs, with their complicated cell structures, is much more difficult.

Enter 3-D printers, which because of their precise process can reproduce the vascular systems required to make organs viable. Scientists are already using the machines to print tiny strips of organ tissue. And while printing whole human organs for surgical transplants is still years away, the technology is rapidly developing.
The next frontier in 3-D printing: Human organs - CNN.com
  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    Wonder if they use some sort of code that makes the tissue as if built by stem cells? That technology is already on the ground running. Can't remember where, but organs have already been produced from stem cells.

    This stuff is highly interesting, but I find it pretty disturbing in a lot of ways, too. So - I stick with earth sciences and just think of this stuff as "interesting". Not saying that my feelings are rational - just that they are there. Maybe someday I'll be thankful for this stuff. Who knows.
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    Sal
    When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
    Beyond the Path

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  • Profile picture of the author yukon
    Banned
    Here's an older TED Talk that covered 3D printing human organs.



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    • Profile picture of the author MikeTucker
      Originally Posted by yukon View Post

      Here's an older TED Talk that covered 3D printing human organs.
      I used to feel like I was the last person to know everything.
      Now I watch TED Talks and I feel like everyone else is a decade behind, haha!

      Medical science and technology is growing at an incredible pace.
      Combine it with the awesome potential of 3/4D Printing... Simply Mind-Boggling!
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      ...A tachyon enters a bar.

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  • Profile picture of the author bizgrower
    I can see it now. Something like a photobooth at bars for new livers.
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    "If you think you're the smartest person in the room, then you're probably in the wrong room."

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