Today doctors can grow new windpipes, tomorrow lachrymal and salivary glands, kidneys, thyroids etc. ! Why not?
This is very very promising!
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-wellbeing/health-news/the-medical-miracle-1024576.html
Sue
This is fascinating, but you have to wonder if they will ever get to the point of regenerating the function of glands and organs, or if it will just be the structure. Structural regeneration would be a goal for lungs, bones, GI tract, kidneys, liver and hearts (not thinking of the electrical function, which can't can't be duplicated as yet with traditional transplantation).
I would think that regeneration of a functioning pancreas would be the very first goal, since the ongoing effect of Diabetes is probably high on the list of medical expenses, and of course that would be a primary driving force.
It's interesting research indeed. It seems really hopeful in the near future for other things that are basically cartilidge. Pretty good for joints and things I would think. I think organs are a long way down the line yet and prolly won't be in my lifetime - maybe my kids.
Take care - Scottie :)
I saw the news of this on TV just a few minutes ago. What a fabulous thing for this lady to have. I can't imagine how much she is looking forward to the future now. Wonderful!
Pooh
From what I saw, they were speaking of regenerating cylindrical organs, like windpipes, bladders, arteries, etc. With Barack Obama behind stem cell research, we should see some major breakthroughs!!!!!!!! Thank goodness!!
Tinker ;D
Growing any body part this way is a leap forward....looking for more great stories like these with more complex body parts...