Researchers aim to print human skin

[takoja]

Researchers are developing a specialized skin "printing" system that could be used in the future to treat soldiers wounded on the battlefield.

Scientists at the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine were inspired by standard inkjet printers found in many home offices.

"We started out by taking a typical desktop inkjet cartridge. Instead of ink we use cells, which are placed in the cartridge," said Dr. Anthony Atala, director of the institute.

The device could be used to rebuild damaged or burned skin.

http://articles.cnn.com/2011-02-19/t...kin?_s=PM:TECH

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHz4akTdno0

This is really interesting technology. In the future you can for example print yourself new shoes, or even food!, with your home 3D printer. Currently the prize is at 20 000 Euros.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_printing

[cadwallon]

The article mentioned not just printing skin but other organs! This is the kind of stuff I only imagined to be in the realm of Star Wars exciting times.

[takoja]

It is interesting to see what effect this kind of technology would have to the economy as more people would be able to do things by themselves. Kinda similar to what mp3 etc technologies had to the music industry.