Making a Trachea Left: Two UCL researchers with the synthetic windpipe. Right: The scaffold after it has been filled in with stem cells, just prior to transplant. University College London
Surgeons working at Karolinska University Hospital in Sweden have taken a huge step forward for regenerative medicine by successfully executing the world’s first synthetic organ transplant. The donor-less transplant saved the life of a 36-year-old cancer patient, who is doing well now after having received a new windpipe grown from his own stem cells.
This story is about as international as it gets: The Eritrean patient, Andemariam Teklesenbet Beyene, was pursuing his doctorate in geology in Iceland when his trachea was consumed by an inoperable tumor that grew so bad that it was actually blocking his breathing. So 3-D scans of his windpipe were sent to scientists at University College London, which crafted a glass scaffold that was a perfect match for Beyene’s trachea and two main bronchi.
The scaffold was in turn was sent to Sweden, where it was soaked in stem cells from Beyene’s own bone marrow. The stem cells took hold and within just two days had filled the scaffold, creating a new trachea that is, biologically speaking, Beyene’s own tissue. A 12-hour operation by an Italian surgeon specializing in trachea operations removed Beyene’s windpipe and all signs of the cancer and then replaced it with the new, lab-grown organ.
That was a month ago. Today, Beyene is recovering well. Because the organ was grown from his own cells, there is no risk of his body rejecting it and no need for the harsh regimen of anti-rejection drugs that usually go hand in hand with an organ transplant. Moreover, there was no need to seek out a donor. In Beyene’s case, that was key. The tumor was increasingly blocking his breathing, and without the transplant he would have died. The clock was ticking, as it so often is in transplant situations.
From stem cell solution to transplantable organ in two days? That’s nothing short of amazing. Moreover, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Theoretically, this kind of procedure could be used to regenerate all kinds of different organs for transplant, eliminating the need (and wait) for donor organs and reducing the complications inherent in them.
Questions
- Were you aware that science has progressed this far?
- What are your thoughts on this development?
- What benefits could this procedure have for other patients?
- Where will it end? Envision the world in the future; how will science change our lives?
Feel free to share other thoughts and opinions
Q1. I was aware that science has been a great help for mankind and that advances in science and technology provide us with much conveniences and various platforms such as social media, for example of Facebook. Advances in medical science have greatly increased our life span expectancy as illnesses and sicknesses can be detected early, this helps increase the chance of recovery. Moreover, due that of the advances in science there will be better treatment and doctors will have more knowledge of the disease that a patient is diagnosed with. Cancer for example was treated as an incurable disease in the past but at present situation cancer can be treated and that the cost of it is not as expensive as before, this is also due to the advances of science.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I have never expected that science will progress this far and this fast; this is as though like a miracle. Nevertheless, this has truly created a miracle in the science developments and will boost the confidence of many researchers and doctors in their work.
Done by Chua Jia Sheng(28) 202
Q2. This development will indeed benefit the people around the world and that many people will be able to live a longer life. People will no longer suffer from the disease that can be treated easily. Through this development, many can have a better chance of recovery due to that the certain organ can be grown from the patient’s own cells; there is no risk of his body rejecting it and no need for the harsh regimen of anti-rejection drugs that usually go hand in hand with an organ transplant. Moreover, there was no need to seek out a donor. As mentioned in the article, today, Beyene is recovering well, if not for this development, he will have been in the hands of the Hades. However, there is one thing to ponder upon, the cost of this surgery. Can all patients undergo and be treated in the same way? Can they afford it?
ReplyDeleteDone by Chua Jia Sheng(28) 202
Q3. This kind of development may be able to be used in other situations not just this organ-trachea, it may be able to be used in other organ transplant such as the heart. This will also benefit other patients in similar ways and that they will not continue suffering.
ReplyDeleteDone by Chua Jia Sheng (28) 202
Q4. I believe this kind of development will not end as even that there is more advances in science; it will be linked to this, just as though that the advancements of science is stack on by the knowledge and beliefs of previous scientists. Science will change our lives in many ways such as how we communicate, how we transport to other places, our type of games, medical effects, etc. Perhaps, we may no longer travel by walking or even through buses or cars, we may be soaring up in the sky to travel; we may no longer need to use phones instead we can use better gadgets that may show visual 3D images of ourselves as shown in Star wars. Due to advances in medical sciences, many may be able to live a ripe age of a hundred for example. I believe lab-grown organs will be more common in future.
ReplyDeleteDone by Chua Jia Sheng (28) 202
From Q3,this kind of procedure could be used to regenerate all kinds of different organs for transplant, eliminating the need (and wait) for donor organs and reducing the complications inherent in them.
ReplyDeleteDone by Chua Jia Sheng (28) 202
Q4- Where will it end? Envision the world in the future; how will science change our lives?
ReplyDeleteAns: It will not stop advancing in developments because Man is ever so ambitious in life. Science will keep on advancing in developments as long as mankind will keep evolving from time to time. It is impossible to tell whether there would be an end to this chain at all let alone where it will all halt. In the future, I am confident that science then would be playing a major role in our lives as we rely mainly on it for numerous purposes. Clones, androids, living dead, who knows where all this possible advances in developments of science may lead us eventually to in the future. Space travelling might even be common in our everyday lives by then. Spaceships would be our main type of transport then. We might even get to be in touch with alien technology and life forms, who knows? All these happenings would only, as you can infer, lead people in attempting to reach aims set higher than we now could ever imagine, being even more ambitious in advancing developments in science. I guess that in the future, science may even be the source of all life if people depend too much on it and uses it excessively to the extent that it is misused. Without advancing in developments of science, I could imagine a future like that of the past or worse, nothing left in it. Science will be a major part in our lives in the time to come as it seems for now. It will change our lives as well as affecting the future of Man.
By Lim Kai Jie (34) S2/02
Q3; What benefits could this procedure have for other patients?
ReplyDeleteAns: This kind of procedures can not only be performed on tracheas but also on certain other human organs, maybe such as the gullet. It would still benefit the treated patients in similar ways. Theoretically, this kind of procedure could be used to regenerate all kinds of different organs for transplant, eliminating the need (and wait) for donor organs and reducing the complications inherent in them. It could save countless more lives out there in the world in need of a transplant.
By Lim Kai Jie (34) S2/02
Q2. What are your thoughts on this development?
ReplyDeleteAns: Well, I do have many opinions about such an advance in development for science as well as a handful of personal thoughts. To begin, I would start with what I think and how I feel about this development generally. I feel that this development would most certainly aid Man in more situations like the one stated in the article in the near future and proves itself to be of much use. With the regeneration of body parts now available, more lives could be salvaged from the toll of death. It would also ease us much in dealing with transplant nowadays since donors are no longer required for such a surgery. However, would people accept this fact and would they be able to fork up for it? Through this development, many can have a better chance of recovery due to the fact that certain organs can be grown from the patient’s own cells; there is no risk of his body rejecting it and no need for the harsh regimen of anti-rejection drugs that usually go hand in hand with an organ transplant. At first, I myself thought that such a thing in reality was impossible to accomplish but after coming to know of the recent developments in science, I guess that that is no longer a dream to us anymore. It definitely would change countless views of people too globally towards science and its developments. Thinking about it brings me to another point. Since body parts regeneration can now be carried out by mankind successfully, does that also mean that we could make living human “Frankenstein”, clones, imaginary creatures or even bring the dead back to life. Now, that idea is absolutely far-fetched however with the recent advances in developments of science, would it just be wishful thinking for all? What if it is possible then, what would we do about it and how would we react to this, what would the possible outcomes be? Science is indeed complex beyond our human thinking. It can be developed to do so much more, provided we humans know how to handle such a rare skill properly. This discovery is a great leap for mankind despite how small the advancement in developments for science it may seem. It is sure to change the world in the present and likely to change the future of Man.
By Lim Kai Jie (34) S2/02
Q1_ Were you aware that science has progressed this far?
ReplyDeleteAns: Frankly speaking, I did not really know that science has been achieving so many accomplishments over time although I am aware of the fact that science has always been progressing, be it rapidly or gradually. All I know is that science has been improvised much lately by us in various aspects especially in medical, technological and biological areas. Medical science nowadays has been infused with modern advanced technology more and more than in the past and effectiveness is evident in numerous cases. Medical science developments have absolutely done a lot in our everyday lives such allowing us to enjoy a better quality of life as well as extending our lifespan. This is definitely a great leap for mankind despite how small a step in advancement it may seem. This article has most certainly caught me by much surprise. To think that I will actually live long enough to witness such a miracle performed by Man. I just cannot simply believe in the fact that we are able to regenerate body parts for transplant. I thought that that was only possible in comics until now. Just imagine what people can do with this skill and where we will develop from here. Science has indeed journeyed far till today and is still moving forward as Man travels further into it.
By Lim Kai Jie (34) S2/02
1) Yes. Now, technology has gone so far that even artificial human organs can be put into a human body yet works like a real organ.
ReplyDelete2) In my own opinion, i think that its actually a good idea. people can get artificial human organs to replace their useless organs without looking for doners as one can be hard to find.
3) they can have a artificial organ. as artificial organs would be more immune to disease, it would be a better option for more vulnerable patients.
4) I think that in the future, science would give us better and easier lives.
1) Yes. Technology has progressed to the point that synthetic organs that function exactly like the real McCoy can be put into the human body. Not to mention the smartphones, laptops and other gadgets we use today.
ReplyDelete2) In my opinion, it's actually a good idea. Patients with malfunctioning organs no longer need to rely on donors to get these organs replaced.
3) The synthetic organs are more immune to disease, yet they are costly, especially to children, who have to replace the organs every few years as they grow.
4) We would lead better lives in the future with science. For example, industrial robots speed up manufacture of goods in factories. Researchers could discover a cure for HIV/AIDS. However, science is a double-edged sword. It can do us greater harm too. For example, deadlier weapons may be developed and used in warfare. Unemployment will rise if automaton replaces manpower in the workforce.
Done by: Yau Chun Huan (35)
Class: 210
1. Yes, I am aware that science has progressed this far and now synthetic organs can be put into the human body and funtion exactly like real ones.
ReplyDelete2. In my opinion, this development will definitely benefit the people around the world and that many people will be able to live a longer life because patients with malfunctioning organs do not need to wait for donors to get these organs replaced. They can just get synthetic organs.
3. This kind of procedures can not only be performed on tracheas but also on other human organs. This kind of procedure can certainly save countless more lives out there in the world as they do not need to wait for donor organs anymore.
4. I believe this kind of development will not end as there is more advances in science that have not been discovered yet.Science will change our lives in many ways such as our transport systems as well as medical effects, which will improve our lives in the future.
Ng Kai Ting (12)
S202
1. Yes, I am aware that science has progressed but i wasn't aware that science has progressed so far that it was even possible to create an organ to be transplanted into the human body in the laboratory.
ReplyDelete2. I think that this development will really benefit us, human beings as not many people will have to suffer or die as they do not need to wait for other people to donate their organs to them and also face the risk of their bodies rejecting the organ as the newly created organ from the laboratory will be made from their own stem cells.
3. This kind of procedures can benefit other patients as some vital organs can be replaced by these new technologies and people will not need to suffer from their illnesses and might not die as they do not need to wait until some willing donors come and donate their organs to them. These people will also not risk having any other diseases from the donors and it is less life-threatening for those with weak immune systems.
4. I believe this sort of advancements in technology will not end as people are curious and are very willing to find out more to make our lives easier and more convenient. We will keep on striving to find more new and wonderful things to make sufferings less in the world. Maybe in the future, people will be able to live for very long as no diseases will be incurable by then. No one will suffer from any disabilities they are born with as science will cure all of our problems.
Ong Sim Yee (13)
S202
1. Yes, I am aware that Science has progressed but I did not expect it to progress so fast that now, even synthetic organ can be transplanted to human body without any risk of the patient's body rejecting it.
ReplyDelete2. I think this development would definitely benefit us greatly. Patients with malfunctioning organs do not need to wait painfully for donors anymore as they can now use synthetic organs. Moreover, since the synthetic organ is grown with the patient's stem cell, they need not be afraid of their body rejecting it. So, with this development, more people can now live longer and healthier.
3. As this procedure can also be carried out on other human organs, more patients can be cured and patients would not need to suffer from their illness anymore. This would definitely save countless lives in the world.
4. I believe this kind of development would be never ending as Science continues to advance on. Scientists would continue to explore more advances in Science which had yet to be discovered, to make better changes to our lives. Science would change our lives in many ways, such as our daily lives which include travelling around, communicating and many other things that we do. Things would surely be done in a more convenient and effective way in future with the continuous advancement in Science.
Yap Yi Ning(23)
S202
1. I was aware that science was progressing, but I did not know that science had progressed so far to creating synthethic organs out of stem cells.
ReplyDelete2. This development would greatly benefits patients who are suffering from illnesses and could not afford to wait for suitable donors as they could just make synththic organs. There would also be no risk of organ rejection as it is made out of their very own stem cells. Morever, there would also be less comlications after the surgery and no need for the harsh regimen of anti-rejection drugs that usually go hand in hand with an organ transplant, as mentioned in the article.
3.For patients who has other ailments, they could also apply this discovery to their illnesses, and create a synthetic organ instead of waiting for a suitable donor. This would result in lesser people dying because of lack of organ donor and organ rejecions.
4.Science would not stop progressing, as mankind are making new discoveries evertime, to strive to made our living conditions improve and upgrade, and to reduce the suffering around the world. Science would made our world a better place to live in, and I believe what seemed impossible now will be made possible in the near future, as long that we have the creativity and if we believe that nothing is impossible if we put our hearts in doing it. therefore, i think that science would continue to progree, to made our lives more comfortable.
By Joanne Tan Xin Yi (06)
Class 202
1)Were you aware that science has progressed this far?
ReplyDeleteYes, I was well-aware. Being an avid newspaper reader myself and having a brief study on biotechnology. Not to mention that I have a good friend that works as a scientist that is curently studying stem-cell research too.
2) What are your thoughts on this development?
It is a wonderful development for mankind. Indeed, this will decrease the effects of post-organ-transplant complications. Thus, also decreasing the people's dependance on pills after the transplant and also causes the risk of organ failure to drop to zero because it is, technically, the person's own organ.
However, what I would really like to talk about is how beneficial this will actually be to the people. Yes, it has the potential to save many many lives. However, it costs a bomb. How many people can actually afford this? For cancer cases like this, the bills for medical consultancy, medicine, chemotheraphy and the operation alone are really high. Who else but aristocrats and people that wallow in velvet can actually afford this on top of all that?
What's my ultimate take on this? I would definitely take this over organ donation anyday. But if I am short on funds, I would try for a donation despite the risk rather than take this method and continue living heavily in debt.
In other words, use this only if you have the cash to splash, if not, dash.
3) What benefits could this procedure have for other patients?
Like I said, people will have a greatly reduced risk of the transplanted organ failing if they use this stem-cell method rather than donation.
This can really reduce the race against time for looking for a suitable donor provided you have the revenue.
4) Where will it end? Envision the world in the future; how will science change our lives?
It will end when the world ends and humanity along with it. All us secondary twos take integrated sciences and we are all well-aware of the effects of global warming. They world is not getting any better environmentally. It probably won't. If there is a breakthrough in science that benefits the environment greatly, perhaps we can last a little longer. If we move to the moon or even Mars, science will never be the same again over there.
Other than that case actually happening, science will probably never stop progressing. Science will progress for the benefit of mankind, or most probably, against it. The world is being filled with tension with disasters whacking all around and the middle-east uprisings. Along with torrid Talboid talks and corrupted whistle blowers. If there ever is a WWIII, there will be tonnes of terrifying mushroom clouds. The progression of sciences might ironically end the world by turning it into one devastatingly large Chernobyl.
Sean Phang (38) S202
1. I was rather aware that science has advanced this far.
ReplyDelete2.It is quite a major breakthrough for mankind and has been quite beneficial at the moment. However, as there is still much to discover, we are stepping into the unknown and this may lead to undesirable consequences as it may not be fool-proof. Also, as this is still a recent cutting-edge technology, it definitely costs a lot, most probably too expensive for a middle-income family. Hopefully, as more research is being done, we will eventually be able to make it much more affordable.
3. Countless other patients would be saved from the malfunctioning of other organs. Patients with serious illnesses such as cancer would be able to get a new organ created entirely from their cells.
4.It should stop the moment our resources are depleted, unless, of course, humans have cleverly found another way to curb this problem.
Cheo Kee Jin (27)
202
1. Were you aware that science has progressed this far?
ReplyDeleteYes, I am aware of the fast developing of scientific. I knew these through fast developing of scientific through smart phones, improvement of the quality and percentage of success of surgery.
2. What are your thoughts on this development?
I think that science is something like a double ------ sword. It could save lives and as well kill us. Just like surgery,it can save people’s life and as well there may be a percentage of failing. Therefore, I think that science must be controlled by the government to control scientist from doing experiment that hurt human life such as cloning. I also think that science knowledge is something amazing. It should be developed further; the spirit of exploring new knowledge should be continued.
3. What benefits could this procedure have for other patient?
This procedure could save lives for human and increases human being life span.
4. Where will it end? Envision the world in the future; how will science change our lives? It will never end. Knowledge will never end. In the future, more things will be taught and more things will be discovered. Science changes our live by increasing our life span and decreasing life span. Increasing life span is due to science giving us better medical care. Decreasing life span is due to pollution and harm that science brings to the environment.
Maoxiyun 11 s202
1) Yes, I am aware that Science has progressed, however, I did not know that science had progressed so far to creating synthetic organs out of stem cells.
ReplyDelete2) In my opinion, I think this development will definitely benefit the people around the world. This development can allow people to live a longer life as patients do not need to wait for other people to donate their organs to them, they can just get synthetic organs.
3) This procedure can also be carried out on other human organs. Many patients would be saved from the malfunctioning of other organs. They do not need to wait till some willing donors to their organs to them.
4) I believe this kind of development will not end as science will continue to improve and there are many more things to be discovered. Science will change our lives in many ways, such as our transport systems, communications and many other things. In conclusion, science is a beneficial part and parcel in our lives.
Cher Weiting (03)
202
By AngXiangYong
ReplyDelete1. Yes, I was aware that science has been progress over the years. However, I did not know that it has become so advanced that humans organs can now be created out of stem cells.
2.I personally think that this would benefits us humans. If science were to advance even further, maybe complex organs like the brain and heart could also be created. If that were to happen, that means that it might just be possible to live forever. This could, of couse, bring chaos to our world if handed to the wrong hands.
3.Limitless possiblity can be explored. One benefit is that patients suffering from organs failure can be cured, so long as science is able to advance that far. Nothing is certain yet. Another benefit is that cancer at its early may be possible to cure, as the synthetic organs can replaced organs infected by cancer.
4.I personally think that this kind of development,or any other development of science, would never end. This is because of our growing curiousity to the unexplained. Scientists are like explorers, seeking the unknown, even at the cost of their own lives. "Curiousity kills the cat" is a phrase I would love to use as a warning to all scientists. While scientists uncover the truth of the unknown, there are people lurking in darkness, wanting to use the new knowledge as a tool for chaos. For example, gunpowder was founded by the Chinese, and was used for firecrackers, until someone used it for guns and cannons. Is that not how humans have been killed over the years? The gigantic number of people killed by wepons of war, be it bomb or guns, was all started by our curiosity. In conclusion, I think that many scientist work to improve our lives, but still, some wishes to use it for destruction.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete1. Were you aware that science has progressed this far?
ReplyDeleteI am constantly aware of the changes and development in technology as many reports come up in the news when such things and breakthroughs happen.
2.What are your thoughts on this development?
I think that this kind of development is a very helpful and beneficial way towards patients who are in dire needs of a donor of an organ yet does not have one. So this kind of development helps and works very well.
3.What benefits could this procedure have for other patients?
Firstly, the direct patients are able to benefit from it greatly as they would not have to worry about rejection of organs and so on as stated in the report.
As for the indirect patients, such as donors, would not have to go through the anxiety and pain they may face mentally.
Such development in technology will also work well in creation of organs for those that does not have willing or suitable donors. They would also not have any rate of failure except for manufacturing failure. But it should be a no-no since it is for such important use.
4.Where will it end? Envision the world in the future; how will science change our lives?
There would be no end to technology as long as humans live. Technology is the brainchild of we humans who are always thinking and creating new things to our convenience and aiding in our daily lives. Therefore, technology will not die as long as humans strive to live.
Envisioning the world in the future. Although it is a controversial question posed as we do not know what may happen as it will be dependent on what we humans need in the future. But the most likely this that in future, we would hopefully utilize our resources well and move on with life without further ruining our planet Earth.
Science would indefinitely change our lives as science have evolved so much in our century and the last that we humans have become so adapted to it. It would continue to develop and will mean that we humans will rely on our intelligence to create artificial ones and science will also involve in different fields that would vastly affect our lives in a globalized scale. Adaptability is a must if we humans want to improve and progress. We cannot rely on science to do our job though, we have to do our very basic and daily things ourselves. We humans have to be independent even when things we can create gives us convenience, if not we would slowly rely on them till we become dependent. But we humans should be independent and not rely on whatever we can rely on.
Ryan Lee 31 (202)
Q1) Yes, I am aware that science has progressed due to the reports I have seen on news however, I had no idea that surgeons could be executing the world’s first synthetic organ transplant so soon.
ReplyDeleteQ2) I am amazed, amused and shocked at how science has developed itself over the years. Seems to me, everything could be possible! Although there are disadvantages, I'm sure this development will save lives, given that enough money is forked out. Still, the surgeons do not know much about such things and should be careful to venture into something new.
Q3) This procedure could be used on other organs and patients around the world would not need to suffer. The waiting time for a new organ would be shortened, lives would be saved and there would be less chances of people dying due to complication in surgeries.
Q4) In my opinion, there is no end to such developments. This procedure could only be a small part of what surgeons and scientists might discover in future. Maybe, a human could be grown in labs! Also, science can change our lives in various way. We may no longer need to rely on fossil fuel, cars as machines that can fly in air, using carbon dioxide to function. Who knows? Science can change almost everything, anything. In future, we may only need to move our finger tips to get something done. However, I am sure such developments are still hard to achieve for now.
Q1. I am aware that science have progressed so significantly.
ReplyDeleteQ2. I think that this development is greatly beneficial towards the patients.
Q3. If improvised, I believe that the doctors will be able to imply this development on other patients with different illnesses.
Q4. In my opinion, i think that such development should never stop and will never stop. Actually, science have already been affecting our lives through many ways, including the introduction of the internet, allowing us to search for informations within a short period of time. Also, not forgetting smart phones, allowing us to use many applications at our finger tips. Over the few centuries, humans have been adapting to changes, including very minor changes like the change of environment. So, I believe that we will be able to cope with the changes.
1.Yes, I am aware that science has progressed this far.
ReplyDelete2.I think that this is a great step for the medical industry and this shows that there is hope for other patients of different illnesses.
3.The same procedure can be done for patients with other critical conditions that urgently need organ transplants but no donors are available. This does not risk donors' lives and there is no need to wait for suitable donors to carry out organ transplants.
4.I think that as science improves over the years, the world will definitely become a more hopeful place, and maybe even there might be a cure for cancer and other incurable diseases. Many patients all over the world have lost hope, but I believe that as science becomes even more developed, lives can be saved and diseases can be cured.
Deborah Siok (4) 303
Q1) Although I know that science had been progressing, I did not know that it had progressed so rapidly and had so many accomplishments. Technology nowadays has gone so far that artificial organs can now be placed into human body and it can work almost as well as a real organ.
ReplyDeleteQ2) I think that more people around the world who need organ would be able to survive. Patients do not have to wait for an organ for too long; instead, they can use synthetic organs to help them survive. However, the cost of the synthetic organs would not be affordable for low or middle-income families, therefore I think that more research could be done and lower the cost of synthetic organs.
Q3) Many patients would not have to wait for too long for an organ, and therefore would increase the lifespan of humans. This could also help to decrease the number of deaths due to lack of organ or organ rejection.
Q4) Sciences will not stop progressing because humans are still having new discovery every now and then. Sciences changed our lives in many ways, some benefits and some not. I believed that in the future, perhaps incurable diseases now can be cured and our lives would be easier. However, some discovery made may harm us, for example like bombs created which helped to kill human lives.
GoJiaNi (04)202
Edmond (26) Class 202
ReplyDeleteQuestion 1) Science has progressed fast, however, I never imagined it could to that extent where humans are able to create a trachea and two main bronchi using stem cells. Science has evolved from time to time, fascinations of the human mind have become reality in today’s world. Great achievements from let’s say the simple light bulb have evolved to sensor lights, LED lights and so on. In this article, it presented on how synthetic organs can be put into the human body and function exactly like real ones, without any risk of the patient's body rejecting it. This miracle of having a part of our body made from stem cells is truly a breakthrough in science. It is unbelievably amazing and one of the most important operations carried out in the field of medical science. Such operations are yet still the beginning of a more amazing chapter in medical science. Who knows when Frankenstein maybe for real in the future? Medical science has greatly improved our lives and I am sure that there would be even more discoveries in the near future.
Question 2) This development could help other people in the world to live for a longer period should one of his organs fail as scientist have already got hold on how to make organs out of stem cells. This development also ensures that there is no risk of his body rejecting it and no need for the harsh regimen of anti-rejection drugs that usually go hand in hand with an organ transplant., truly a ‘healthier’ choice for patients. Another point is that donors nowadays are hard to find and that once there is such an innovation, patients can apply for such an operation and not need to wait any longer for a donor. However, though is may seem wonderful and all so amazing, there is always one question hanging on our lips. How much does this operation cost? In my opinion, it would definitely cost a gigantic bomb that would not only burn a hole in your pocket. Not many people would be able to afford this heavy price. Consultation fee, hospital fee, and the many other fees to pay, adding on this operation would truly drive a person to Hades even sooner than an organ failure, especially for money minded Singaporeans.
Question 3) What I do think is that in the near future, scientist and developers in the field of medical science could continue exploring in stem cells and one day, even the heart or other vital organs could be made from these humble stem cells too! This then could help other patients should one of their organs fail as these organs could be replaced by these new technologies and people will not need to suffer from their illnesses and might not die as they do not need to wait until some willing donors come and donate their organs to them. There would also be less risk to the patient to have a synthetic organ than compared to a donated organ as there would be close to zero chance that the organ would fail once more as the body might reject it.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 4) Such development will never come to an end, as long as science does not die out. Science continues to amaze us with new technologies and new discoveries. From boxes that are huge you might not even know it is a television set to today’s internet TV or 3D TV, from computers that have such low power and memory to today’s fast and efficient internet really makes you think that you have control to every part of this globe. Humans are always ambitious people and always strive to be better, hence making science ever changing. In the field of medical science, we humans may even have a cure for HIV in the near future, enlightening the load of humans in finding a cure to a deadly incurable disease to this date. However, there is always another side of a coin. These innovations could prove to be useful to us humans, but there are some discoveries that should not be discovered. An example would be the nuclear bomb. Some innovations might let us grow to a ripe old age but what is the use when the next minute, a mushroom cloud suddenly appears right above our heads? Without science, we would be still living in caves, drawing those pictures in cave walls that tell our everyday story. With science, everyone becomes IT savvy and yet science is the very thing that has driven us to global warming and is the only very thing that can save us from it.
Edmond Chan (26) 202
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteQ1)Were you aware that science has progressed this far? I was aware that science was progressing but i did not realize that it has progressed so far and rapidly that there is even a synthetic organ transplant done a patient
ReplyDeleteQ2)What are your thoughts on this development?
I am very impressed by the development as it would allow the patients to have more chances of survival.
Q3)What benefits could this procedure have for other patients? This procedure would benefit other patients as patients would now not have to worry about not finding the right donor for him or her, saving more lives of the people
Q4) Where will it end? Envision the world in the future; how will science change our lives?
I believe that this development would never end as science would always continue to improve and continue to change our lives
Loh Kah Leong (35) 202
1. Were you aware that science has progressed this far?
ReplyDeleteI was not aware that science has progressed that far, like creating organ.
2. What are your thoughts on this development?
This development is really useful, it will save a lot of victim of cancer or other diseases, increasing the chance of survival.
3. What benefits could this procedure have for other patients?
This procedure can also be carried out on other human organs. Therefore, other patients suffering from other diseases will also benefit the increasing in the chance of survival.
4. Where will it end? Envision the world in the future; how will science change our lives?
There will be no end to science, as when the time goes by, more people are becoming scientists, and more progresses will be made. In the future, science will be a very common thing that all human will know. It will be part of our daily lives. Science will bring in new technology that will change our lives
guan soon quan 29
202
1)Yes I am aware that human organs can be replaced by artificial organs which are created out of stem cells.
ReplyDelete2)I think that the advancement in this development can be a double edged sword and there will be pros and cons. At the same time when this development will benefit us, it could be able to harm us. Anything could happen, not excluding the chances that the cells might mutate or be infected and turn into another kind disease or sickness. However, I think these risks should not stop the curious minds of humans. Thus, science and technology should be further developed.
3)I think that this development will definitely benefit human beings like us. The quality of life will getting better and the medical facilities will be more advanced. The hopes of those, who think that they will never recover, will be revived. Thus, they will be hopeful and will show a positive attitude towards the advancement of technology.
4)It will never end. The greed for knowledge will never end. Physical stress will be reduced while mental stress will be heavy. Physical stress will be reduced as humans will find ways to adapt and reduce their sufferings through despair and their limited resource. Mental stress will increase as they will struggle to counter the cons of the face paced development environment that they have build.
Tang Yu Kuan (19) 202
1. Were you aware that science has progressed this far?
ReplyDeleteI was aware that the Science technology is progressing better and better. However, to be honest, I wasn't aware that science is able to use a Lab-Grown Trachea for Synthetic Organ Transplant.
I am really impressed about progression of the science technology, just 10 years ago, handphones were not as good as it is now. Handphones back then was only used to call people but nowadays, handphones or smartphones have alot of different applications.
Also, the number of cancer patients that survived nowadays were more than those in the past as technology is getting better.
I am sure that science technology will continue to progress.
2. What are your thoughts on this development?
I think that this development will be very useful and more people will be able to live a longer life. Diseases will be treated easily. The patients with malfunctioning organs do not need to wait for donors to get these organs replaced. They can just get synthetic organs.
3.What benefits could this procedure have for other patients?
This kind of procedures can not only be performed on tracheas but also on other human organs, for example, the gullet. Thus, more lives can be saved as patients need not wait for donors to get these organs replaced. They can just get synthetic organs.
4. Where will it end? Envision the world in the future; how will science change our lives?
Frankly, speaking, I am not sure where science technology will end. I believe this kind of development will not end as there is more advances in science that have not been discovered yet. Science changed our life in many ways. It has made our life more convenient as well as more entertaining and it will continue to make our life more comfortable.
Lim Sher Min (09)
Class S202
1.Were you aware that science has progressed this far?
ReplyDeleteI am not aware that science has progressed this far. Science has grown at such a fast pace that we struggle to keep up with its development. I was just aware of Lab-Grown Trachea for Synthetic Organ Transplant after reading the article. This is a accomplishment for science as man made organs can be used as a subsitute for real organs.
2. What are your thoughts on this development?
As science has evolved to the stage when artificial organs can replace real ones, we can enjoy life longer. Diseases can be treated easily by replacing the infected parts. They do not need to wait for potential donors.
3.What benefits could this procedure have for other patients? More research can be done to increase the number of organs that can be replaced. The procedure can shorten valuable waiting time for a suitable donor for recuperation instead. They can get artificial ones immediately.
4. Where will it end? Envision the world in the future; how will science change our lives?
Nobody can determine the future. However, we, and future generations can carry on with science development. Science has changed our mind and the way mankind live in many ways. It has brought along destruction as well as convenience to our daily lives. We should make use of science in good ways so everyone can benefit from it.
1)Were you aware that science has progressed this far?
ReplyDeleteYes, but I didn't expect it to be THIS far?
2)What are your thoughts on this development?
It's kinda good but creepy at the same time. Who knows, science might evolve to making human droids or automatons (just as long the Illuminati doesn't touch them) and maybe it'll help. technology IS a double-edged sword after all. O:
3)What benefits could this procedure have for other patients?
Patients with rare blood types or bone marrow types can benefit from this as they do not need to spend so much time on searching for a perfect donor.
4)Where will it end? Envision the world in the future; how will science change our lives?
It will change dramatically as new things are being discovered and invented everyday, every hour. Maybe stuff which we deem impossible now would be super easy in the future.
Q1. No, I was not aware that science has progressed this far until I read this article. Before knowing this, I only knew that organs transplantations from one person to another from real organs are available. However, as science improved, they can make synthetic organs in replace of the real organs.
ReplyDeleteQ2. I think that this development is really useful because it enables more unfortunate people who have cancer to live a longer and better life. However, do the patients really afford to buy these synthetic organs?
What benefits could this procedure have for other patients?
Q3. The patients' fates will not have the depend on the availability of real organs donated from others. They will no longer have to queue and wait for the suitable organs.
Q4. In my opinion, Science will never end because it is improving day by day. In the future, Science may help the mankind greatly by improving the quality of life. As long as there are human, there is Science.
Liang Yancheng (33)
202
Reposting again cos I didn't add in my name and class ==
ReplyDelete1)Were you aware that science has progressed this far?
Yes, but I didn't expect it to be THIS far?
2)What are your thoughts on this development?
It's kinda good but creepy at the same time. Who knows, science might evolve to making human droids or automatons (just as long the Illuminati doesn't touch them) and maybe it'll help. technology IS a double-edged sword after all. O:
3)What benefits could this procedure have for other patients?
Patients with rare blood types or bone marrow types can benefit from this as they do not need to spend so much time on searching for a perfect donor.
4)Where will it end? Envision the world in the future; how will science change our lives?
It will change dramatically as new things are being discovered and invented everyday, every hour. Maybe stuff which we deem impossible now would be super easy in the future.
Nicole, 209 (14)
Questions
ReplyDeleteWere you aware that science has progressed this far?
No. I was only aware that organs could be transferred from one person to another.
What are your thoughts on this development?
With this development, the people who are waiting for organs will not need to wait any further as producing synthetic organs will mean less waiting time for the patient who need organs. For example, patients who need kidneys will need to go through dialysis which I understand which might be quite uncomfortable in the long term. So, with a shorter waiting time, their discomfort will not be prolonged.
What benefits could this procedure have for other patients?
The other patients will be able be have a shorter waiting time.
Where will it end? Envision the world in the future; how will science change our lives?
Science is a part of our everyday life and it will continue improving our quality of lives.
Sianne Wong Zi Xuan(15)
S209
1. I was not aware that science has progressed this far. All I knew was that due to advances in science and technology, testube babies can be formed. Also, the transplant of organs from organ donors to patients but not the making of synthetic organs.
ReplyDelete2. With this development, patients would be able to suffer for a shorter period of time as they do not have to wait for potential donors, instead they can just get a synthetic organ transplant. However, this may not be able to reach out to the less fortunate people as they might not be able to afford it due to it's high cost.
3. Patients who are in need of an organ transplant would not have to wait for a long time, if there is no one who is willing to donate their organs, this is because they can just undergo a synthetic organ transplant. Thus, patients would be able to suffer for a shorter period of time. Also, in this way, the patient's fate would not need to depend on the availability of suitable organs. In this case, people which suffer from any illnesses and need a transplant can live for a longer period of time as they are able to get a transplant faster before their condition worsens.
4. People are always finding ways to improve our quality of life. Thus, people would carry out research everyday to improve our quality of living. Hence, I believe that science would not end. This is because when people carry out research, there is a higher possibility that new things are being discovered. Also, advancements in science and technology will continue improving daily.
-Elysia Tan (04)
209
Were you aware that science has progressed this far?
ReplyDeleteYes.
What are your thoughts on this development?
It help patients who are in desperate need for organs and require it on the spot, this new medical advancement can be a replacement of another person's trachea.
What benefits could this procedure have for other patients? they would not have to wait for years before a transplant can be made, as this is man made, it maybe mass produced
Where will it end? Envision the world in the future; how will science change our lives? it will never end. half human half robots.
Kay Kiat 209 32
Questions:
ReplyDelete1)Were you aware that science has progressed this far?
I was not aware that science has progressed this far.It never cross my mind that a lab-grown windpipe can be use to save the life of patients suffering from cancer.
2)What are your thoughts on this development?
I think this development is very good as it will enable people to live a longer life.Those people that are suffering from diseases and needs an organ transplant would also be able to recover faster as they do not need to wait for donors to donate their organs.
Patients would also not have to worry after the organ transplant as his/her body will not reject the lab-grown organ.
3)What benefits could this procedure have for other patients?
The waiting time for a suitable organ for other patients will be reduced.
4)Where will it end? Envision the world in the future; how will science change our lives?
Science will make our life better as there will be newer and more useful developments.The scientific developments might also save our life.For example,maybe in the future scientists would be able to find a cure for terminal diseases,saving many people's life.
Questions
ReplyDeleteWere you aware that science has progressed this far?
No, I was aware that science has been progressing but I did not know that it had came to this stage that artificial organs can be transplanted to the patient's body, without having rejections or heavy risks.
What are your thoughts on this development?
I think that it is very useful and beneficial, especially for the patients as they do not need to wait for a very long time to undergo an organ transplant surgery. It will decrease the death rates of cancer patients.
What benefits could this procedure have for other patients?
They would not need to spend so much time waiting for their turn to have a surgery.
Where will it end? Envision the world in the future; how will science change our lives?
More and more things will be discovered as time goes by and nobody could say when will it end. Science contributes to part of our lives in different aspects.
Soon Kit Ying (16)
S209
Questions
ReplyDeleteWere you aware that science has progressed this far?
I am not aware that they can use artificial lab grown windpipe to help save a patient life.
What are your thoughts on this development?
I feel that it is good as patients do not need to rely on donors. By doing so, patients can recover faster and saves the time of patients waiting for organ transplant surgery.
What benefits could this procedure have for other patients?
The need of donors decrease and the donors that are willing to donate their organs, can donate to other patients that needed them, and as for those who need a new windpipe, they can make use of the lab grown one.
Where will it end? Envision the world in the future; how will science change our lives?
More discoveries will be made as time pass and this discoveries can save our lives,perhaps they can find cure for incurable diseases now and it will benefit many people who are diagnose.
Tan Yap Xin Nancy(18)
209
1.Were you aware that science has progressed this far?
ReplyDeleteNo. i didnt know about this before reading this article.
2.What are your thoughts on this development?
I think this development is very good.Patients will have a faster rate of recovering and this will decrease the rime needed to wait for a organ transplant surgery.
3.What benefits could this procedure have for other patients?
People who needs a organ transplant need not wait for long anymore.
4.Where will it end? Envision the world in the future; how will science change our lives?
It probably would not end.science would probably be so developed. In the future, maybe it would end up with the world being filled with robots.
Pyrena Koh ( 8 )
class 209
1.Were you aware that science has progressed this far?
ReplyDeleteANS: No, i did not realise that transplant tech had actually advanced this far until i read this article
2.What are your thoughts on this development?
Ans:This development should help people who are desperately sick and need an urgent transplant without the long waiting time for a donor.
3.What benefits could this procedure have for other patients?
Ans:Reduced risk of rejected
4.Where will it end? Envision the world in the future; how will science change our lives?
ANS:It would not stop here, science will probably transform everyone into TERMINATORS NEXT TIME. LOL.
Lee Yee Heng(29)
Class 209
Stem cell research is the same technology religious fundamentalists have been fighting against. The approval of such technology by god fearing people is hypocritical. I'm not saying religion isn't useful but I wish the fundamentalists would get out of politics and let the funding flow.
ReplyDeleteFindrxonline.com
No, i did not realise that science has gone this far. However, i am not surprised as everyday has new technological advances being invented. I realise that with today's advances, it has truly helped numerous sickly patients to recover in the shortest possible time.Benefits: There is no risk of their body rejecting it and no need for the harsh regimen of anti-rejection drugs that usually go hand in hand with an organ transplant. Moreover, there was no need to seek out a donor. This could saved them a lot of time and effort. Moreover, the advancements and progress for science will never end. Scientists and people will not stop researching and upgrading things, like medicine and new surgery methods, in this case. Diseases like Sars and AIDs are incurable now, but perhaps in future, someone will be able to invent something that could save millions of lives. Science change our lives and it will contribute in more and more in our daily lives to aid us to a better quality of life.
ReplyDeleteLim Qian Bing(9)
209
Q3. other than in this situation, this kind of procedure may be able to be used in other situations, and not just this organ-trachea, it may be able to be used in other organ transplant such as the heart, helping to save alot more lives in the world as their time would not be wasted on waiting for donors to donate their organs to those in need. We will also strive for the best and get moee
ReplyDelete4. I believe this sort of advancements in technology will not end as people are curious and are very willing to find out more to make our lives easier and more convenient.
-Nanxi (22) 209
1.No, I had never expected for science to progressed this far. From what I know, I was only aware of the technological advances Science has given us such as those new software in the computer. Since we come into contact with those electronic gadgets all day, we are bound to know more about them as we uses them so often. However, we do not really come into much contact with those gadgets used in hospitals and thus we will never know how science can be so amazing to the extent that it can "re-create" an organ.
ReplyDelete2. I feel that this development is rather amazing in which that it can save a patient who was having serious respiratory problems and at the brink of death, and especially that a new trachea that is made from one's own tissue and not somebody else's.
3. Other patients who needed another organs can benefit from this development. They do not have to find trouble getting a donor to donate an organ to them, as sometimes, no one is willing to donate and the patient has no choice but to slowly wait for death. But however with this development, not only they can save trouble getting a donor, they can also have an organ made from their own tissues.
4. I feel that science advancements is never-ending as people are always striving to invent more things due to current society., in which people fight hard to earn money. Science has create much convenience for our lives. However, if we overused science, people will gradually become lazier and lazier and eventually depends on robot for everything, even walking. Thus we should stop inventions one day if necessary.
-Jiang Hanyi (7) S209