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Wounded troops returning from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan could, in time, benefit from potentially groundbreaking medical research in tissue repair.
A newly created form of protein known as “elastin” may one day be used to build replacement body parts — such as eardrums, parts of the stomach and intestines, bladders and blood vessels. This technology would allow surgeons to “build a person from the molecular level,” says Kenton Gregory, chief cardiologist at the Oregon Medical Laser Center, in Portland, Ore.
Elastin is being studied as a possible means to “put injured soldiers back together,” Gregory explains. After nearly a decade worth of research, his lab has found the human gene for elastin, he says. Elastin is a durable, stable protein that makes up human tissue. The thinking is that the body won’t reject replacement parts that have the patient’s own DNA.
“Based on natural protein, we developed a whole series of tissue-repair parts for the stomach, esophagus, skin, arteries,” Gregory says. “We are developing cell therapy program to help regenerate tissue.”
The lab also pioneered “laser-fusion” technology for instantly sealing and healing issue, he adds. Laser welding science has been around for 20 years, but is still an experimental technology. It is scheduled to begin medical trials in the United States in the coming months.
Originally posted by NWguy83
The lab also pioneered “laser-fusion” technology for instantly sealing and healing tissue, he adds. Laser welding science has been around for 20 years, but is still an experimental technology. It is scheduled to begin medical trials in the United States in the coming months.
Originally posted by redmage
Originally posted by NWguy83
The lab also pioneered “laser-fusion” technology for instantly sealing and healing tissue, he adds. Laser welding science has been around for 20 years, but is still an experimental technology. It is scheduled to begin medical trials in the United States in the coming months.
Don't get me wrong, Elastin sounds great and all, but tissue "welding"?!?
That's straight outta star trek
Originally posted by Thain Esh Kelch
Actually not. Cells just grow, and if you put them in a form, you can basically make any shape you want.