Key points from article :
NASA put forth Vascular Tissue Challenge in 2016.
Scientists successfully grown liver tissue capable of functioning for 30 days in the lab.
The two teams with different approach created lab-grown human liver tissue.
Won first and second place winning $300,000 and $100,000.
Jim Reuter, NASA associate administrator for space technology says
"this will be exceptional to hear about the first artificial organ transplant one day".
Used 3D printing technologies to create their tissue.
Different gel-like frameworks that include channels to oxygen and nutrient supply.
Nutrients were able to flow through the artificial blood vessels without leaking.
James Yoo professor at WFIRM who is a part of team says
"We're very optimistic about the tissue constructs being in space..."
Robyn Gatens, director at NASA says
"...we'll need to develop strategies to minimize damage to astronauts..."
Research by Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine.
