World's first lab grown limb offers new hope for amputees

Scientists hope the 'biolimb' will eventually be applicable for humans.

The world's very first "biolimb" has been successfully grown in a laboratory through research completed at the Massachusetts General Hospital. The limb was attached to a rat, which was eventually filled with blood. The rat was also able to flex and move its paw in a matter of days.

MUNTINLUPA, PHILIPPINES (Catholic Online) - This experiment can be considered comparable to the modern day version of Frankenstein. In fact, Dr. Daniel Weiss, an expert in organ regeneration at the University Of Vermont College Of Medicine, claims this new scientific and medical breakthrough is indeed science fiction brought to life.

Massachusetts General Hospital's Department of Surgery's Researcher, Dr. Harald Ott explained that the "BIOLIMB" project focuses on the regeneration and development of the forearms and hands. He mentioned that the techniques they use will soon be applicable to the limbs - arms, legs and other extremities of the human body.

With thousands of Britains who have had their limbs amputated because of sickness, accidents and even those with congenital medical anomalies, the success of "biolimbs" offers a welcoming promise for being able to have new limbs, instead of using the usual prosthetic. The idea of having an arm or leg grown in a laboratory offers a more of a natural look and movement.

Options of arm, hands and leg transplants are available, however, the operation requires the patient to take strong medication that may affect their overall health.

Dr. Ott is currently working on several "live limb appendages" and began his work on baboon arms. Research and development procedures on such "BIOLIMBS" require more time to test and see if the human body is capable of being a host to an artificial limb.

Dr. Oskar Aszmann from the University of Vienna explained that this amazing breakthrough should remain within the compounds of the academic arena for the meantime, while experts are still making sure everything about the lab-grown limb will work - including nerve regeneration, musculoskeletal movements and the ability for the body to accept the implants.

Whether it will take decades or months before humans can actually take advantage of this medical endeavor, one cannot deny that this is a huge step towards mankind's quest to find the best ways to provide superb medical care to everyone.

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