3D printing has the ability to create almost anything, from customized figurines to bionic ears and even other 3D printers. Recently, one San Diego-based startup discovered it can even generate a slice of a functioning, long-lasting liver by printing layers of living cells.
By harnessing the liver’s natural ability to regenerate itself, researchers at Organovo were able to create a piece of liver that was able to operate like a regular healthy liver, filtering out toxins and drugs and keeping in nutrients — for up to 40 days. That extended record beat the company’s previous results in April, when the liver slice was able to keep functioning for just over five days. That’s a 700 percent increase!
via DVICE
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