🖨️ World's first 3D-bioprinted skin, Russia and China's nuclear plant on the Moon, Lab-grown mini organs

In a world-first, researchers at Penn State University in the U.S. have successfully used 3D bioprinting to add layers of skin to injuries during a live operation to aid recovery. The feat was achieved in an animal model but could also be very beneficial when used in humans. For more on the story and how bioprinting works, check out today’s Must Read. 

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MUST READ

🖨️ In a first, scientists 3D bioprint skin during live operation in rats

Previous attempts at 3D bioprinting skin have involved printing thin layers of skin. Now, a new study reveals a major stride by printing multiple layers of skin and doing so during surgery.

To start off, researchers used adipose tissue, or fat, which is an important part of the extracellular matrix, to create ink for printing skin. Working with Dino Ravnic, an associate professor of surgery at Penn State College of Medicine, the team also sourced stem cells from this adipose tissue.

Capable of developing into different cell types based on their environmental conditions, stem cells were the second component of the bio-ink used in the process. The third and last component of the ink was a clotting solution, whose role was to help components bind together to form tissue at the injured site.

☢️ Russia and China plan to put a nuclear power plant on the Moon

Russia and China are currently in discussions about establishing a nuclear power plant on the lunar surface to support upcoming colonization efforts. The project is slated for completion by 2035.

The rationale behind this initiative is the belief that nuclear power could be a more sustainable energy source for future lunar settlements compared to solar panels, which may struggle to generate sufficient electricity. A statement also mentioned how the project is to be executed autonomously, without human presence.

In addition to lunar endeavors, Russia's ambitions include developing a freight spaceship fueled by nuclear energy. According to sources, apart from addressing the challenges of cooling the nuclear reactor, all other technical aspects of the project have been successfully resolved.

🫁 Scientists grow mini lungs, kidneys, intestines from pregnancy fluid

For the first time, researchers at University College London and Great Ormond Street Hospital used human stem cells from active pregnancies to create organoids, shedding light on fetal development. As per the press release, “these ‘mini-organs’ also retain the baby’s biological information.”

In recent years, the development of lab-based organoids has been gaining momentum to understand disease progression better and evaluate new treatments. This is because these tiny organs give a look into organ function that would otherwise be difficult to obtain.

Furthermore, organoids have the potential to shed light on how organs change and function in response to diseases. In this latest study, stem cell organoids were used to better understand a disorder known as congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). It is an uncommon disorder that occurs due to a hole in an unborn baby’s diaphragm.

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