Scientists Grow Humanized Kidneys In Pig Embryos
The article discussed how human cells were grown in pig embryos to form viable organs. The primary use was to be able to supply organs to those who are waiting on the transplant list. More than 100,000 people one waiting on the transplant list for an organ. According to the Mayo Clinic, kidney transplant provides better quality of life, lower risk of death, fewer dietary restrictions, and lower cost of treatment compared to dialysis. The article explained how the human kidney has more than 70 cell types and scientists would have to replicate it. The kidney grown in the pig embryo was made out of 50-60% of human cells. Although the scientists haven't reached their goal of making a full human kidney they believe that they have made some progress. I found this article interesting because I wasn't aware that creating human kidneys in pig embryos was possible. The purpose of this experiment was to provide kidneys to those who needed them, which would end up saving their lives.
Growing these human cells to combat the demand for organs when the supply is to minimal is compelling. By growing the cells this way transplants may be a smoother process as the organs are essentially grown specifically for them.
ReplyDeleteOdd yet intriguing is my best way of describing this. It's the gray areas that capulet us to further understand and go beyond the traditional norm of medicine. But could this advancement show up in a courtroom battling ethics? It's a slippery slope we see countless times in science. Granted it is important to note this provides a quick nuance solution. That this can produce organs ready for transplants rather than the patient remaining on a waitlist. I question if science is getting a little bit too close on crossing a line, that we may not be able to recover from.
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