Building Organs Block by Block: Tissue Engineers Create a New Way to Assemble Artificial Tissues Using 'Biological Legos'

http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/2010/05/100513112813.jpg

• tissue engineering has been tough because they always form flat
• to overcome this obstacle, researchers put cells into little cubes and arranged them into 3D organs
• called "micromasonry"
• this new technique has a lot of potential to become the primary way to build artificial tissues

Reflection:

My biology class has helped me to understand this topic. From learning about cellular reproduction, I can see how making a 3D shape would be hard. Though a difficult obstacle, scientists and researchers have been able to once again find an answer. I feel that this topic is rather interesting. The fact that someone can build an artificial tissue through the use of "cellular blocks" is amazing. Imagine the uses this new technique will have. I can't wait to hear more news about this topic.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. "Building Organs Block by Block: Tissue Engineers Create a New Way to Assemble Artificial Tissues, Using 'Biological Legos'." ScienceDaily 14 May 2010. 15 May 2010 /releases/2010/05/100513112813.htm>.