Nina Tandon: Caring for Engineered Tissue. Perf. Nina Tandon. TedTalks, 2011.
Scientist Nina Tandon's job is growing artificial tissues. She researches how cells can turn into tissues, which can then be turned into artificial hearts and bones. Nina emphasizes how little need be introduced to the cells in order to drastically alter the cells' performance. She stresses the importance of these microscopic "creatures", which is how she refers to cells, and their need of a hospitable, homey environment so that they may function. Nina believes that if we want cells to grow into a specific type of organ tissue, they must grow in an environment similar to the environment of that organ.
In this unit we are learning about different body systems. Much like our body, which must remain in homeostasis in order to thrive, these cells need a balanced, nutrient-providing environment in order to grow. They will grow into organs which will then become a part of our circulatory or skeletal system, such as the heart or the bones.
What type of cell does Tandon begin with before she attempts to grow them into a certain type of tissue?
ReplyDeleteShe begins with a cell taken from the type of tissue she wants to grow. This is why when she takes a cell from heart tissue, the cells beat/pulse without her interference, as they've been programmed already just from being part of the heart.
DeleteShe also frequently uses tissue from the bone.
Would cells of an organ still be able to grow in an environment that is unlike the one that they are used to?
ReplyDeleteIt really varies case by case. If a cell used to a hypertonic solution were placed in a hypotonic one,for instance, it would likely not grow. In some cases, however, the cell may grow, but Dr. Tandon's point is merely that cells grow most optimally in environments similar to their own.
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