I read recently of a
research project at the
University of
Wisconsin in which foreskin
tissue,
discarded after the
circumcision of
Jewish infants, was used to examine the aging of
human skin.
Reports of the project have even reached the pages of
Pravda.
In a spontaneous mutation some of the cells changed into a strain which reproduced. What's more the cells didn't die either. In the experiment most of them did, but a few survived and eventually "wound healed" over the entire petri dish. While clinical tests are some time off in the future, it has already been proven that in animal trials this skin will heal superficial wounds. Microscopic examinations indicate this skin grows in stratified layers just like ordinary skin. They have also prepared tissue which has been genetically engineered so that they are infected with various skin diseases. Researchers now have tissue they can use to test the treatment of those diseases without using humans.
There is hope that the immortal skin will also be useful in treating third degree burns, which may cover extensive portions of the body. It is estimated that over 13,000 burn victims each year could be helped with skin grafts, using this tissue.
As far as I know, work is still being done on whether this foreign tissue will be rejected by the human body. If the cells are accepted, medical science will have added a miraculous tool to its arsenal of skin treatments.
jessicapierce has asked me to append a
bibliography for those who want to read more on the
topic. Thank the cyber gods for
Google.
- The topic first attracted my attention here:
- http://english.pravda.ru/fun/2001/11/13/20870.html
- The discovery was reported here:
- http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2000/11/001120074912.htm
- A report from the University of Wisconsin, Madison:
- http://www.news.wisc.edu/view.html?get=5528
- Another report from Hypography
- http://www.hypography.com/article.cfm/28263.html
- An interview in Pathfinder:
- http://dwij.org/pathfinders/linda_moulton_howe/linda_mh3.htm