On Artificial Skin

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The LA Times takes a long look at the state of research into artificial and tissue engineered skin: "This technology is taking us many steps closer to real skin, which is our goal - to make something in the laboratory that is as close as possible to the structure and function of natural skin ... To reach that pinnacle, the skin will need some other, crucial ingredients it doesn't yet contain: pigment cells to restore skin color, and - especially - endothelial cells to form blood vessels that are required to supply the skin with oxygen and vital nutrients. ... Although an ideal artificial skin is still years away, scientists can see real, tangible progress in their efforts to mimic the hugely complex mesh of fibers, sweat glands, hair follicles and blood vessels ... We've learned a lot in the past 10 years. A real critical mass is forming around this technology."

Link: http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-skin30jan30,1,2224876.story?coll=la-headlines-health