Chinese scientists have given five children new ears that were grown in a laboratory using their own cells combined with a 3D-printed biodegradable mould. They then collected cartilage cells called chondrocytes from the children’s deformed ears and used them to grow ear-shaped cartilage with the moulds in a lab. After three months, the ears grown in the lab were grafted on the children. So far, the ears have not been rejected by the body and cartilage has continued to grow within the mould, resulting in more natural-looking ears. In other words, having the cells divide so you have a bigger piece or more cells to make a new part with,” she said.

Source: Hindustan Times January 31, 2018 10:41 UTC