Using a novel combination of tissue engineering techniques, they have discovered how to grow artificial nerve tissue in the laboratory from natural proteins.
The team uses a three-dimensional collagen gel to control the natural behaviour of key nerve cells, called Schwann cells, causing them to recreate key features of normal nerve cells.
These pieces of engineered neural tissue (EngNT) contain no synthetic materials, so that the new tissue can integrate effectively with the damaged area of the body.
The use of EngNT could reduce the need for nerve grafts, a technique currently used which involves taking nerve material from a healthy part of the body and so causing damage to this area.
A report of their research, Engineered neural tissue for peripheral nerve repair, is published in Biomaterials journal online.
For fuller story see OU press release.
Comments
Hi Im starting the health sciences degree this oct wondering if there is anyone else out there already studying it or starting at the same time ?? I could really do with an insight into what's expected and any guidance on books materials and thing so I Can get to grips with the subject now hope someone can help !! :)
Hello El,
I cannot help very much. I can find the info on what's expected for the Cert. Health Sciences but not the BSc Health Sciences. Click on
http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/qualification/s19.htm as you may be starting with that. The originator of the Life Sciences Society, now wound up, was a Health Sciences graduate. Her name is Ceri Jones, you might find her on Facebook.
I don't think there is much information on CNS injuries in the Health Sciences degree. CJ didn't know anything about it. There is an OUSA Brain Injury forum, however.
Peter Canning.
DoA 29/1/96
BSc(Open), BSc(Hons)LifeSciences(Open), MScSciences(Open)