Tissue Engineering
Summary
Medical researchers are trying to develop the “Promethean” ability to regenerate kidneys, hearts, intestines, and so on. This is called tissue engineering. Scientists are studying how it is possible to use human cells to restore, maintain, or repair human tissue. This may involve skin, muscle or bone tissue, or it may involve the regeneration of an entire organ such as the heart, kidney or liver.
Tissue engineering is not synonymous with genetic engineering, although it may include the use of embryonic stem cells, and organ cloning. Because the supply of donor organs cannot keep up with demand, organ replacement has become a major goal. The US Defense Department is funding a lot of research in this area, in order to help their injured soldiers. Of course the discoveries will be used to help all people.
Keywords: vcu, virginia commonwealth university, Richmond, rams, organs, tissues, gene, dna, science, health, cells, biology genetics, medicine
