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Lab-Grown Bladder Transplanted
JaJ_D writes "The BBC is reporting a story about the successful transplant of a lab grown bladder into a patient. From the article: 'US scientists have successfully implanted bladders grown in the lab from patients' own cells into people with bladder disease ... They took a bladder biopsy from each patient and isolated muscle cells and special bladder cells called urothelial cells, which they grew in the lab. The cells were then placed onto a specially designed bladder-shaped scaffold and left to grow for seven to eight weeks.'"
Can I get a bigger one?!
*runs to the bathroom*
-FL
We've been hearing forever about the possibility and marvel of lab-grown organs for transplants. It's good to see actual results from one.
However, the true test will now be seeing if the patient rejects the new organ, or if the organ functions as long as a healthy new organ would behave. Either way, even if just comparable to standard transplants, this is an amazing step forward. But can you imagine the possibilities if the organ lasts as long as a freshly made natural organ? Lifespans would shoot upward, and terminal organ diseases would disappear quickly. Good to see we're headed that way.
Today, it's possible to replace noses, ears, and bladders. Someday it will be hearts, major blood vessels, livers, and lungs.
If you know any medical researchers, biologists, surgeons, or anyone else who works in the medical field today, drop them a note and thank them. They're making a better world.
-jcr
The only title of honor that a tyrant can grant is "Enemy of the State."
how long does it take Slashdot to post something?
;-)
The first time, you mean?
-jcr
The only title of honor that a tyrant can grant is "Enemy of the State."
It will be a matter of very very little time, once this bladder has shown to be functional, before one of the scientists who worked on this says to himself, hey, why not make a boob shaped scaffold, implant breast cells, and make a NATURAL breast implant that will NOT have any of the complicatons of silicone (Breastfeeding will still be possible, natual shape, size and feel, indistinguishable, basically, from the real thing), and thus finds himself a billionaire surrounded by huge breasted yet rail-thin women.
"Your superior intellect is no match for our puny weapons!"
who married a girl smarter than me?
/. if you're going to mock her :o)
My wife was a math major and all-around genius (prefect grades on every assignment in every class), and has been a teacher and librarian. She keeps our financial books in order (thank goodness) and has excellent insight into big financial decisions; when we've followed her preferred course of action, we've always done well, I'm batting about 80%. She's not a gadget freak like me, but she definitely knows more about Word and Excel than I do. The computer is more of a tool than a hobby in her case, but she is very on top of the tools that she does use.
For those on Slashdot who aren't married, my advice is to find a woman who is at least as smart as you are. If you can find a girl who has more knowledge than you in particular areas (like my wife with math) you'll be doing well. It's cool to have a relationship where your areas of interest overlap, but it's really cool when your different expertise allows you to learn from each other.
And make sure she never reads
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This development has been a long time coming...
"Bladder late than never."