Lab Grown Body Parts
Growing body
parts
What is it?
Lab grown body parts are small scale human organs called "organoids" that are made in labs. They are just small body parts that do not consist of bone but of parts of the body with skin and cartilage. This process is achievable with a new technique of using stem cells.
How does it work?
Each body part will be slightly different process of how it is being made, but the most common way consists of:
- use a biodegradable shell for the stem cells to form around
- when the stem cells have grown into the shape the shell will disappear leaving the organoid
- the organoid will then be attached to the body and absorbed
- over times new skin cells will start to form and old ones die cementing the organoid to the body
Some body parts they have successfully made:
- pituitary glands
- eyes
- heart
- vagina
- mini brains
- ears
- trachea
- bladder
- liver
- kidney
- breast tissue
http://o.canada.com/health-2/scientists-grow-noses-ears-and-other-body-parts-in-laboratory
*They have also recently successfully made small bones.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Replace damaged or diseased organs
- diminish the organ donor list
- less chance of organ rejection
- repair the skin of burn victims
- less time waiting for an organ match to be found
Cons
- they could be carrying diseases
- could contain cancer cells, or make it more likely for the patient to get them
- cost $$$$$
- higher chance of an organ failure
- new discovery; not yet sure of future problems
Ethical Issues
- abuse of the organs; smokers or alcoholics knowing they can receive new organs will continue to abuse the organs because they can simply have more
- testing on animals: who is over seeing animal rights
- Human testing^
- where the organelles come from (apple ears?)
- new method of organ transplants can cause uncertainty of what the body will react to in the future