The process of 3D printing has been around for a while, but 3D printing human tissues and organs is a very new practice. Embryonic stem cells have also been used for a while, but it is only recently that the two have been united. The printing of human tissues for use in regenerative therapy and organs suitable for transplant has long been a dream of biotechnologists, but until now, they haven't been able to print the initial mass of stem cells required for these operations. This new technology will help make it possible to print an organ from your own cells, eliminating the need for immune surpressants or possible organ rejection. It would also make drug testing much easier and more humane.
NOS themes:
- Science is collaborative- it took many different people in many different laboratories communicating with each other to develop this technology
- Science is experimental- people ran countless experiments to develop this technology
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130204220838.htm
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110701121629.htm
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