{Lab-grown} Bone rings exchanged by couples (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

Couples are being given the opportunity to exchange jewellery made from samples of their bone grown in the laboratory.
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The efforts are part of a collaboration between scientists and artists aiming to learn how to craft complex shapes from bone tissue.
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The scientists extracted the participants' wisdom teeth to get at a sliver of bone that attaches them to the jawbone.

They then dissolve the bone mineral and extract the bone cells to go into the lab.

These are fed with nutrients and grown on a "scaffold" material called bioglass, a special bioactive ceramic which mimics the structure of bone material.
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more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6215702.stm

Just thought people might be interested to know that growing artificial body parts is closer than you might think. For a related article, see "Skin and bones 'made to measure'", http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/manchester/4184627.stm
about creating artificial skin and possibly other organs with ... an inkjet printer.

[Strathos]

1. uh, gross

I'm glad Billy Bob and Angelina didn't know about that. ;-)

[cassiepriam]

2. No thanks, I'll take a nice big diamond ... nt

[undeterred]

3. I'll bet Neanderthal Man proposed with bones.

[WindRavenX]

4. totally awesome and I would totally do it

NT

[sweetheart]

5. exchanging the bone... sounds about right nt

[TahitiNut]

6. It gives new meaning to the term "boner."

:evilgrin: (Somebody had to say it.) "Slip her the bone, fella!"

[muriel_volestrangler]

7. An unnecessry extraction of wisdom teeth?

The scientists extracted the participants' wisdom teeth to get at a sliver of bone that attaches them to the jawbone.
...
The original plan was to attempt to take a biopsy from the volunteers, but the ethics and the risks of undergoing such a medical procedure were too great.

I'm surprised the ethics of an unnecessary extraction don't stop this. I'd certainly never want someone to go through that just for a bit of jewellery.

[Johnny Appleseed]

8. My gothic chick friend once gave me a human bone necklace to

wear for a day. Was sort of an interesting experience.

[baby_mouse]

9. Ummm...the spirit is willing, but the flesh is filing for divorce.

It's a good idea. But... I don't think I'll do it.

[HeeBGBz]

10. So when my sweetie says "I have a boner"

Does that mean I'm getting a ring?

[TahitiNut]

11. "Is that a wedding ring or are just glad to see me?"

:rofl: