Printing Hearts & The Health News For Summer

Printed hearts, pancreatic cancer research and Adashiko’s latest collagen release. M2 has all the health news you need for summer.

Here’s Your New 3D Printed Heart

After two years of R&D, Professor of Biomedical Engineering Adam Feinberg and his team have created the first full-size 3D bioprinted human heart.

This isn’t just any old sort of 3D printing, of course. It uses the FRESH technique, which stands for Freeform Reversible Embedding of Suspended Hydrogels. FRESH 3D printing uses a needle to inject bioink into a bath of soft hydrogel, which supports the object as it prints. Apply heat to remove the hydrogel and hey presto, you have a heart. This won’t be replacing any real blood pumpers any time soon. But its elasticity is close enough to the real thing to provide surgeons realistic practise runs before they dive into your chest.

This technology might still be a baby step towards full replacement. Soft, biocompatible scaffolds could one day give structure for cells to adhere to and form an organ system.

It’s About Time

Pancreatic cancer has the lowest survival rate among all major cancers. More than 560 Kiwis are diagnosed with it every year and only 8% of people survive longer than five years after being diagnosed.

The statistics are alarming. Possibly more alarming, is that there is no screening test or early detection method for pancreatic cancer and often no signs or symptoms in its early stage.

The Gut Cancer Foundation (GCF) aims to shift these statistics by fundraising to help researchers find a solution. GCF’s advocacy and continuous fundraising has enabled it to contribute to bringing the MASTERPLAN clinical trial to New Zealand.

Starting recruitment in early 2021, this Australasian Gastro-Intestinal Cancer Clinical Trials Group study is investigating whether Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SBRT) can increase patients’ eligibility for surgery, and reduce the likelihood of the tumour recurring for those whose tumour cannot be surgically removed.

Alongside the trial will be the launch of GFC’s campaign ‘It’s About Time’ to raise awareness of this disease.

If you want to learn more about the campaign, visit the GCF website at
loveyerguts.co.nz

Easy, Breezy Skincare!

And lastly in Health News, Adashiko Collagen & Noni Gel is your all-in-one to exfoliate, tone, hydrate, repair + regenerate. A natural light weight gel-like formula hydrates like no other. Soothing on hardworking skin, when you are extra sun kissed and is super refreshing after shaving. Comes in a 50ml – great for the gym bag or travel. 100ml for at home use. Plumps, firms + deeply moisturises!

Available from Adashiko.com