See other Science/Tech Articles
Title: Scientists Grow Artificial Penis in Lab
Source:
WebMD
URL Source: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,196685,00.html
Published: May 25, 2006
Author: Daniel J. DeNoon
Post Date: 2006-05-25 18:24:01 by christine
Keywords: None
Views: 69
Comments: 6
It's now possible to replace a defective, damaged, or diseased penis with a penis grown in a laboratory -- in rabbits. But the finding promises an amazing new treatment for infants, boys, and men who suffer penis disfigurement. The replacement organ would be grown on a penis-shaped matrix seeded with cells from the patient's own body. Researcher Anthony Atala, MD, director of the Institute for Regenerative Medicine at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, reported the findings at this week’s annual meeting of the American Urological Association in Atlanta. "Our goal is eventually to treat infants and adults with birth defects, penis trauma, or penis cancer," Atala tells WebMD. "But this is a future goal. We are now deciding which animal model to explore next." While human trials are still far off, the Atala team's recent accomplishments make their goal highly credible. Atala and colleagues recently reported successfully using much the same technique to replace defective bladders in human children with spina bifida. In the rabbit study, Atala's team removed the penises from rabbits and entirely replaced the organs with penises grown from the animal's own cells. Atala says the new penises have blood vessels and nerves that allow them to become fully functional. Indeed, the replacement penises worked like a charm. The rabbits were able to get erections, mate with females, and get females pregnant with normal, healthy pups.
Post Comment Private Reply Ignore Thread
Top • Page Up • Full Thread • Page Down • Bottom/Latest
#1. To: christine (#0)
Where's PETA when you need them?
Sheesh. What happened to the rabbits that got their salamis sliced? They get kinda fruity? The rabbits were able to get erections, mate with females, and get females pregnant with normal, healthy pups. What a surprise for Momma when she gives birth to a litter of dogs. Makes you wonder where they really got the spare parts to fix Daddy's "tool."
But can he hop now.
Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism. – George Washington "If the president made us go to war with Iraq, why doesn't he go over there and fight the war?" Christian May [6th grader] I thought they were called kittens. If not, Watership Down lied to me.
Freeper motto: "I read, but do not understand; I write, but make no sense."
And all it took was a little..."hare restorer".... ;)
How do you like your penis? :)
"That's libertarians for you - anarchists who want police protection from their slaves." Kim Stanley Robinson, "Green Mars" p318
The dulcimer tones of progressivism sequent to an atavistic and bloody rhythm.
#2. To: christine (#0)
In the rabbit study, Atala's team removed the penises from rabbits and entirely replaced the organs with penises grown from the animal's own cells.
#3. To: Peetie Wheatstraw (#2)
#4. To: Peetie Wheatstraw (#2)
normal, healthy pups.
#5. To: robin (#3)
But can he hop now.
#6. To: christine (#0)
Top • Page Up • Full Thread • Page Down • Bottom/Latest