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Complex organ replacements grown from stem cells
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In the previous decade, it had already been possible to grow certain tissues, bones and muscles using stem cells. The first synthetic organ transplant was achieved in 2011, when a replacement windpipe was given to a terminal cancer patient.
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+ e/ T4 k, `) {) j8 ?, AThis was followed by further breakthroughs as more complex body structures and systems began to be engineered. By 2020, a major landmark is reached, with scientists having fully characterised how every part of the heart works - enabling complete replacements for use in transplants.*
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; A" M" i k8 Z z- |' L$ \: I" xThe need for external donors is eliminated, and since the organ is genetically matched to the patient, there is no chance of rejection. This new treatment offers radical hope to millions of people affected by cardiovascular disease. Until now, around 15m people have died each year from heart-related conditions.
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The economic benefits are huge. A significant fraction of healthcare costs have been attributable to organ failure, the recurring treatments for chronic diseases and their subsequent complications. This new regenerative medicine effectively provides a cure, rather than ongoing treatment. Until now, direct healthcare costs of organ replacement and associated care have been $350 billion globally (about 8 percent of global healthcare spending). 6 ^* q- ^7 n( _) x! g
/ L& L6 t, F& n- y TAs well as the heart, various other organs are developed over the subsequent decade: lungs, livers, kidneys, spleens, stomachs and sexual organs all become available by 2030. Internal organ failure is gradually becoming a thing of the past; for those who can afford the treatments, at least. / B/ k$ N7 q( \' \7 k& x, Q
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Combined with new vitrification techniques* (which allow organ banking without damage from ice crystal formation), this is a major breakthrough in longevity extension. * Y7 T6 L; Z& Y2 R- W' f
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发表于 2011-10-11 01:04
发表于 2011-10-11 11:46
