Science fiction meets reality in this story.
American military researchers say they have unlocked the secret to regrowing limbs and recreating organs in humans who have sustained major injuries.
Using “nanoscaffolding,” the researchers have regrown a man’s fingertip and the internal organs of several test subjects.
The technology works by placing a very fine apparatus called a scaffold, which is made of polymer fibres hundreds of times finer than a human hair, in place of a missing limb or damaged organ. The scaffold acts as a guide for cells to grab onto so they can begin to rebuild missing bones and tissue. The tissue grows through tiny holes in the scaffold, in the same way a vine snakes its way up a trellis.
After the body part has regenerated, the scaffold breaks down, is absorbed into the person’s body and disappears entirely.
Wild, eh? Regen’s not just for skinks anymore.
