Transplant

Although some pig-derived biotissues are already used in human medicine, the scientists claim that they're subject to treatment processes that make their cells inactive, limiting their therapeutic value

Medical

Live-cell pig skin successfully used to treat human burn wound

When someone has a severe burn, a protective covering needs to be temporarily grafted onto the wound site. Although that covering typically consists of skin from a human cadaver, live-cell pig skin has now been used on a patient for the first time.

A new supercooling technique promises to take liver storage temperatures to below freezing

Medical

Supercooling breakthrough takes donor livers below zero

A new supercooling technique could greatly improve transplantation outcomes by taking the organs into the realm of subzero temperatures for the first time.

A sample of the eggshell powder-enhanced bone-growing hydrogel

Science

Eggshells found to boost the growth of cultured bone

Ah, eggshells … they could already find use in eco-friendly rubber, carbon capture, ceramics, biodegradable packaging, and energy storage. Now, new research shows that the ubiquitous form of food waste may also be utilized to grow bone for use in transplants.

The tribunal found that "forced organ harvesting from prisoners of conscience has been practiced for a substantial period of time involving a very substantial number of victims.”

Medical

Forced organ harvesting of political prisoners in China, independent tribunal concludes

A disturbing portrait of forced organ harvesting from prisoners of conscience in China has been revealed in the final judgement of an independent panel established to investigate the issue. The report details evidence of an organized infrastructure harvesting organs from persecuted groups.

Each of the sheep in the study had four "bioreactors" implanted on its ribs

Medical

Bone custom-grown on sheep's ribs used to fix their jaws

When someone is missing facial bone due to injury or illness, the current treatment involves transplanting a piece of bone extracted from the leg, leaving a deficit there. Now, however, scientists have succeeded in growing extra bone within sheep's bodies, that's preformed to the shape required.

A new bioprinted lung model demonstrates an intricate 3D-printed vascular network

Biology

How food dye may have unlocked 3D printable organs for transplant

3D printing organs is going through some teething issues. Now researchers have found a surprisingly simple answer to the complex problem of printing detailed vascular networks, and shown it off with a dramatic model of a breathing lung that passes oxygen into surrounding blood vessels.

The HOMAL-equipped multicopter comes in for a landing at the University of Maryland Medical Center

Drones

Drone-delivered kidney gets transplanted into patient

Using regular aircraft to transport organs usually works OK, but problems can arise when flights are delayed, or when planes can't land in remote areas. That's where drones could make a difference – and in an April 19th exercise, one was used to deliver a kidney for a human recipient.

The technology has so far been utilized on lungs, but is being adapted for use on other organs

Medical

New process uses two kinds of light to make organs safer for transplant

It goes without saying that the greater the number of organs available for transplant, the better for patients in need of them. A newly-developed technique could help, as it uses light to kill viruses and bacteria that might otherwise make donated organs unsuitable for use.

Human heart muscle cells derived from the new CRISPR-engineered "universal" stem cells

Science

Landmark research creates “universal” stem cells using CRISPR gene editing

In an incredible milestone, scientists have for the first time created “universal” stem cells by using CRISPR gene-editing technology to produce pluripotent stem cells that can be transplanted into any patient without generating an immune system response.

Over 400 published papers are under fire for potentially using organs sourced from executed prisoners in China

Medical

Major Chinese organ transplant ethical breaches prompt calls for mass retraction of scientific papers

A confronting new study has revealed over 400 published research papers may be in violation of international ethical standards regarding the use of donor organs sourced from executed prisoners. The study calls for a mass retraction of hundreds of research papers from mainland China.

One of the surgeons working on the new research suggests we could be as little as three years away from the first human xenotransplantation trials

Medical

Successful transplantation of pig hearts into baboons bring human trials a step closer

A new study has reported the first successful long-term survival of baboons transplanted with genetically modified pig hearts. The research is a leap forward in the quest to achieve cross-species organ transplantation, and gives hope to the many humans on waiting lists for donor organs.

Researchers have reported the first successful birth after a mother received a uterus transplant from a deceased donor

Medical

First baby born from the uterus of a deceased donor

Uterus donors are so far limited to willing volunteers, which has made the procedure possible in only a handful of cases. Now, scientists have reported the first successful birth of a child after a uterus transplant from a deceased donor.