Army to 3D bioprint skin for soldiers wounded in battle

[chef789]

http://www.factor-tech.com/health-augmentation/army-to-3d-bioprint-skin-for-soldiers-wounded-in-battle/

The programme, called the Armed Forces Institute of Regenerative Medicine (AFIRM), was created by the Department of Defense back in 2008 and its work is now coming to fruition.

“The scars that Soldiers develop as a result of burns constrict movement and disfigure them permanently. The initiative to restore high-quality skin that is elastic and complete with sweat glands, appropriate pigmentation and hair follicles is incredibly important.”

The scheme is made up for more than 30 universities, military labs and investigators. The issue of 3D printing and how it can be applied to the military was discussed in the Army’s magazine.

[burtandernie]

I agree this kind of thing will eventually happen and will certainly revolutionize many things people never thought possible. Its 20+ years away though I think there are just so many things that have to be figured out and we all know how slow this stuff moves. Its good though

[Sammygirl]

Imagine the possibilities when this tech becomes reality for the general population. Another relevant article http://www.newscientist.com/article/...l#.U9-DD_mSySo . Can't imagine the actual science behind it. But, I know research is a long and slow process. I know better now, not to get my hopes up each time I read about a 'new development'. But, surely, at some point there has to be a breakthrough and I just keep hoping it's in my lifetime.

[burtandernie]

Yeah its going to take many many breakthroughs all in sequence before all this kind of thing can actually happen. I would argue getting it available to the average joe doctor, regulations, proving its safe, and all that crap is what will take a ton of time to do even after it ends up working. 20 years might even be optimistic sadly because it will be an amazing time but I will be too old to really care

[hellouser]

Why are you guys so complacent with 20 year timelines?

[JZA70]

Why are you guys so complacent with 20 year timelines?

As if we have a choice..

[ShookOnes]

theres a billion threads on reddit about new revolutionary technologies and clinical results with stem cells, skin cells, bioengineering, etc etc that you could post on this forum. but let's not. please stop spamming threads like this.

[burtandernie]

Why are you guys so complacent with 20 year timelines?

I think its just being realistic because these things just move that slowly and usually even more slowly than you guess.