http://www.neowin.net/images/uploaded/2015/03/bioprinter_800x600_story.jpgExample of what a 3d bioprinter might look like (Courtesy of ExplainingTheFuture.com)This may sound like something out of a science fiction movie, but scientists are currently working on 3D printing techniques that will allow us to create entirely new organs from the cells of patients. We're still at least 20 years away from being able to print a new liver or heart, but the work towards creating smaller organs is well underway.

 

Surgeons are currently using 3D printers to prepare for surgery by taking a CAT scan or MRI of the impacted area and then printing out the organ in plastic to assist in figuring out where to actually cut to get to the areas in need of help. In addition, many doctors have used 3D printers for plastic reconstruction of bone, cartilage and tendons. These are all traditional uses of the technology and while it does help patients, the future looks much more intriguing.

 

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