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Stem cell biology and synthetic organogenesis (not sure what the term for this will eventually be) are not my fields. However, we are getting excited about regr
by carbocation 14y ago
Stem cell biology and synthetic organogenesis (not sure what the term for this will eventually be) are not my fields. However, we are getting excited about regrowing myocardium from stem cells when sitting on top of a pre-existing scaffolding. That's one tissue-type.
A finger requires afferent and efferent nerves, bone, cartilage, synovium, tendons, ligaments, vasculature, interstitium, muscle, dermis, and epidermis. It seems highly unlikely that we can regrow a finger given current technology. Each individual piece? Maybe. Each of those pieces in their proper place coalescing into a functional whole? I don't buy it.
- berntb 14y agoYou argue against building the tissue. I buy your argument. Small children can regrow fingertips, yes? Couldn't it be possible to use that mechanism for fingers?
- carbocation 14y agoMy understanding is that there is research in what you suggested. I'm just saying that I don't believe we yet have the technology to grow a finger. Someday, almost surely we will. Just, not for some time. Or so I think.
- Mz 14y agoThey can already regrow a fingertip in an adult, though I think that is (as you said) still in research stages and not available to the general public. Having regrown lung tissue of my own using info available online and no fancy gizmos to speak of, presumably we aren't terribly far off from bigger accomplishments.