Healing touch: the key to regenerating bodies
February 17, 2010 | Source: New Scientist Health
If tissue engineers can provide the right physical environment, it should make it easier to transform stem cells into specific tissues and create complex, three-dimensional organs that are as good as the real thing, researchers say.
Examples:
Expose stem cells to flowing fluid and they turn into blood vessels.
Grow human mesenchymal stem cells — the precursors of bone, muscle and many other tissue types — on gels. The cells turn into the tissue that most closely matches the stiffness of the gel.
Rhythmically squeeze cartilage as it grows, mimicking the stress of walking, to grow cartilage that matches its natural counterpart strength for strength.
