Friday, June 11, 2010

Helping Hearts, Spinal Cords and Tendons Heal Themselves

clipart of bandaged heart

ScienceDaily (June 8, 2010) — Queen's University researcher Brian Amsden is hoping that in about 10 years a tendon, spinal cord or heart valve will be able to regenerate itself after an injury or disease.

The chemical engineering professor, along with scientists from the University of Western Ontario and University of Toronto, is currently trying to develop microscopic polymer fibers to help rebuild human tissue and speed the healing process.

While using polymers to help grow muscles may sound like something out of Frankenstein, it's actually quite natural. Dr. Amsden is trying to develop the technique where stem cells from fat are placed on a polymer prosthetic that stimulates cell growth and that is later implanted it into a person's body.

The full article may be viewed by clicking the link in this post's title.

No comments: