Wooden Legs: Not Just For Pirates Anymore!

[Thagarr]

[imgleft]http://lh6.ggpht.com/_cQOyQjTP3GY/SzdzZcJpthI/AAAAAAAAAIU/lTv6nE8qBxo/s128/pa-logo.gif[/imgleft]Wooden legs have been synonymous with pirates for centuries, and it seems like they had it pegged pretty close!! Last year I posted something about this new discovery on the forum, but it seems there has been quite a break through since then. Italian scientists at the Istec laboratory of bioceramics in Faenza near Bologna, have discovered a way to turn wood from the rattan tree into a substance that very closley replicates real bone, both in structure and appearance. When pressurized and enhanced with calcium and phosphates, this substance becomes incredibly similar to human bone. Early tests show that real bone is so comfortable with the organic substitute, that it will bind to it. This acceptance by real bone, coupled with the treated rattan wood's natural durability, means the substitute bone might never need to be replaced. This is an incredible medical breakthrough and could revolutionize a host of medical procedures! Over at Physics Central, they have a great blog write up on all the particulars. Head on over and give it a read HERE!

For you blaggards to lazy to read, you can watch this Youtube video!!

[media]http://www.youtube.c...player_embedded[/media]

 

[Keith]

Nice find Thag, it really is amazing some of the stuff that comes out now.

Just need to find a way for me to live forever........