Frankenstein Jellyfish Spurs Future of Organ Creation

Published Mon, Jul 23rd, 2012   Wall Street Daily Research

 

It looks like a new species somewhere between jellyfish and starfish. But it’s actually a  laboratory creation made of silicone.

The “Medusiod” is an artificial jellyfish developed by Harvard and Caltech scientists. It’s essentially silicone coated with live heart cells from a rat.

Then, just like Frankenstein’s creation, they bring it to life with electrical jolts. A single shock sets the cells in motion for an hour, which forces the silicone to move with them.

Eventually, this research could be used to work with new organs that generate power through nutrients from the bloodstream (i.e. – without electricity).

Good news for companies like Organovo (OTCQB: ONVO) that are changing the landscape of organ donations with bio-engineering alone.