Mussel Glue Could Help Repair Birth Defects

sciencehabit writes "When it comes to hanging on tight, the lowly mussel has few rivals in nature. Researchers have sought the secrets behind the bivalve's steadfast grip on wet, slippery rock. Now, a researcher says he has used the mollusk's tricks to develop medical applications. These include a biocompatible glue that could one day seal fetal membranes, allowing prenatal surgeons to repair birth defects without triggering dangerous premature labor."

Comments

Always 15-20 years til commercially available...

[pepsikid]

I read about this very thing in the news 15 years ago! I half expect now, to learn that some surgeon in the 1700's was already using it experimentally. Get off your ass, medical science!

Re:Always 15-20 years til commercially available..

[K. S. Kyosuke]

I half expect now, to learn that some surgeon in the 1700's was already using it experimentally.

No, in the 1700's, surgeons were using leeches as clamps to hold things together.

Re:Always 15-20 years til commercially available..

[wierd_w]

15 years ago is about right actually..

Consider:

"We are the FDA. We demand you make very costly animal model studies first, then, after those studies, you have conduct phase 1 and phase 2 human clinical trials, THEN, AFTER THAT, we have to decide if we want to approve commercial use and production or not."

Throw in a few bouts of "Oh my gawd! They put clam juice inside some poor gerbil, and glued it all up inside! THOSE MONSTERS!", and a few rounds of "Animal models are poor substitutes for human testing, and amount to nothing, so you arent getting funding."

In the end, 15 years since "Hey! This stuff looks very promising as a biosafe adhesive for surgical applications!" looks like BREAKNECK PROGRESS!

(and you wonder why rich americans with deadly diseases and debilitating conditions leave the US to go on "Medical vacations" in the EU and Thailand.)

I for one

[Nyder]

welcome our Mussel Glued Children of tomorrow!

Hopefully they will be delivered in our flying cars that haven't shown up yet.

Re:Always 15-20 years til commercially available..

[wierd_w]

Birth defects can come from any number of sources, and are not necessarily indicative that the parents are genetically unfit.

Take for instance, spinal tube defects arising from improper prenatal nutrition in the female, in regard to folate intake.

Which would you rather have: Mommy and Daddy with "Wheelchair Willie", their precious angel, that requires 24/7 nursing, monitoring, special needs assistance, and government support for life---

Or: "Willie" is perfectly healthy and normal after doctors surgically promoted proper neural tube closure, with the help of a bio-safe adhesive and embryonic surgery techniques.

This is a no-brainer even for self-centered assholes who hate other people being alive. (Because of the inconveniences those other people make for them.)

If it weren't for the FDA

[Mister Liberty]

this would still be the 1700's.

Re:Always 15-20 years til commercially available..

[fufufang]

(and you wonder why rich americans with deadly diseases and debilitating conditions leave the US to go on "Medical vacations" in the EU and Thailand.)

It is the other way around in the UK. Rich people tend to go to America to get medical procedures that aren't approved by the health authorities here.

Re:Always 15-20 years til commercially available..

[mspohr]

Americans go on "medical vacations" because they can't afford US health care. Doctors, drugs, etc. are all cheaper anywhere else but the US and if you pick wisely, you can find better quality doctors and facilities.