This 3D-printed "human tissue" could sharpen doctors' surgical skills
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University of Minnesota researchers are using 3D printers to produce "realistic human tissue" for use in medical training.
Why it matters: Practicing surgical techniques and other procedures on (close to) the real thing could help med students and doctors up their skills —potentially improving patient outcomes.
👩🔬 How they did it: The researchers, who recently published their findings in the journal Science Advances, used the printers to create tiny fluid-filled capsules meant to imitate blood, per a release.
- The result: Lifelike parts that can "mimic the complex directional strength, softness and stretchiness" of the human body.
What we're watching: The researchers will try to produce tissues that more closely mirror specific organs and can respond as the body would to advanced surgical techniques.
- 🦾 Ultimately, they hope their innovation could be used to develop bionic organs.
