Facial Bones Grown From Fat-Derived Stem Cells 106
TheClockworkSoul sends in an article up at Scientific American, from which we quote: "Stem cells so far have been used to mend tissues ranging from damaged hearts to collapsed tracheas. Now the multifaceted cells have proved successful at regrowing bone in humans. In the first procedure of its kind, doctors at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center replaced a 14-year-old boy's missing cheekbones — in part by repurposing stem cells from his own body. To create the new bones, which have become part of the patient's own skull structure and have remained securely in place for four and a half months, the medical team used a combination of fat-derived stem cells, donated bone scaffolds, growth factors, and bone-coating tissue. The technique, should it be approved for widespread use, could benefit some seven million people in the US who need more bone — everyone from cancer patients to injured war veterans."
Fat head. (Score:2, Funny)
Now he really has a "fat head"
"To create the new bones...the medical team used a combination of fat-derived stem cells..."
Re:Need more bone. (Score:3, Funny)
I think we have too many big-boned girls already...
Re:Cool (Score:2, Funny)
If we had the technology, would the world tolerate its use?
Currently in first world countries being rich or being poor might make life more or less pleasant for its approximately 77 years, but so far, being the wealthiest or most powerful person in the world can't even guarantee you'll live to see 90.
If being rich and being poor meant the difference between living to 177 instead of 77, or even 177 instead of 107, what would that do to our society?
How many people would steal or kill to live even another 70 years? How many people would kill or go to war to allow a parent, spouse, or child to live another 70 years?
I'd like to think that Heinz wouldn't kill to allow his wife to live another 70 years, but I don't know that I wouldn't. I don't know that I wouldn't for myself. Would you?