This 'bio-bag' Successfully Incubated Premature Baby Lambs
Ellen Smith — May 3, 2017 — Tech
References: bigthink
Scientists just created an artificial womb, which was successful in growing a premature lamb for up to four weeks. After the success of the animal trials, researchers are hoping to continue to advance the technology to create an artificial environment in which a premature human baby could survive.
The experiment required lamb fetuses, which are physiological similar to human fetuses, to be prematurely removed from their mother's womb via C-section, and placed in the sealed bio-bags for four to six weeks. All of the lambs developed at a healthy and normal rate.
Premature births are the leading cause of deaths among infants in North America, with about 30 000 annually, and a survival rate of only 50%. The sterile and sealed 'bio-bags,' which are filled with water and salts, closely resemble the womb of a human, and could save thousands of lives yearly.
The experiment required lamb fetuses, which are physiological similar to human fetuses, to be prematurely removed from their mother's womb via C-section, and placed in the sealed bio-bags for four to six weeks. All of the lambs developed at a healthy and normal rate.
Premature births are the leading cause of deaths among infants in North America, with about 30 000 annually, and a survival rate of only 50%. The sterile and sealed 'bio-bags,' which are filled with water and salts, closely resemble the womb of a human, and could save thousands of lives yearly.
Trend Themes
1. Artificial Womb Technology - The successful incubation of premature lambs in an artificial womb opens the door for the development of technology to incubate premature human babies and revolutionize neonatal care.
2. Bio-mimicry in Medical Technology - The development of a sealed 'bio-bag' that simulates the environment of a womb has the potential to inspire the creation of other medical technologies that mimic natural biological processes.
3. Perinatal Health Innovation - The artificial womb has the potential to transform perinatal healthcare by decreasing premature births, increasing survival rates, and providing new options for neonatal care.
Industry Implications
1. Medical Devices and Equipment - The development of an artificial womb and associated equipment provides new opportunities for medical device and equipment companies to create more effective and innovative neonatal care devices.
2. Biotechnology - The creation of an artificial environment in which a premature baby can develop provides an opportunity for biotechnology companies to develop new products that simulate natural biological processes.
3. Healthcare Services - The success of the artificial womb experiment could potentially lead to increased demand for neonatal healthcare services and a focus on advancing perinatal care in the healthcare industry.
2.8
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
