Artificial Intestines Near Reality

Great accomplishments of science has given humans artificial limbs, hearts and many organs. Windpipe, heart, kidney transplant are commonly known.   Artificial intestines had not yet given any success to scientists. However, now it seems very much possible and the researchers appear quite near their goal. A tiny artificial intestine has been made in the lab using collagen and stem cells. The team of researchers plan to "grow" it  on a larger tube structure within three years, so that it may be tested on humans. “We’re going to be taking these and inserting them into animals to see if it actually works,” said John March,

A scan showing the tiny artificial intestine developed in the lab.

an assistant professor of biological and environmental engineering at Cornell University who developed the artificial intestine structure.

These artificial intestines could be used to help treat those with severe bowel disorders, including approximately 25,000 children worldwide born with a condition called short bowel syndrome who are missing a piece of intestine.

Source:Discovery News