Japanese scientists have grown an entire organ outside of the body. They grew a pituitary gland from embryonic stem cells. This is a first because scientists have had success creating tissues, but entire organs have been difficult up until now.
Some ideas for comments are: How could this be used for medical advances? Is this ethical to work on for humans? How does this relate to class work?
“It’s a gorgeous piece of work, and it’s just really, really exciting.” says Sally Camper, a developmental geneticist at the University of Michigan. This new medical advancement in “creating ” pituitary glands is a potential new way to help humans. In short, for those who are a little confused on what a pituitary gland is, a pituitary gland is a gland is an endocrine gland about the size of a pea located at the base of the brain. It essentially secretes hormones to regulate homeostasis.
ReplyDeleteBut the real question is would this be an ethical work on and beneficial to humans? I think yes. As Sally Camper said, I think this new finding is “really exciting”. I think that if we are ever going to keep expanding our limits in science, there needs to be those willing to test. Look how far it’s gotten us today. Scientist could have tons of successes. They could find countless “cures” for those who need pituitary glands. Scientist could even venture and experiment to help brain tumors. Then again, this could end up really bad if testing is started. Testing could really hurt some people. There have been some “epic fails” in science history. But all in all, I think it’s all within reach. I think that if scientist could find a way to come this far, they should keep on going.
Daniela Araujo
AP Bio