Scientists Create New Ear Using 3D Printing And Living Cell Injections

The ability to grow/manufacture body parts is a feat mankind has been attempting to achieve for some time now. One of the latest developments of this field is the use of 3D printing to more easily customize and manufacture such parts. Researchers at Cornell used this technology to form a new ear prosthetic out of cartilage. The researchers used cow cartilage for the ear as there currently is not a good way to utilize the subject's own cartilage in the amount required. The most interesting thing about the 3D printing method in my opinion is that a 3D camera is utilized to take pictures of the patient's remaining ear to create a mirrored replica for replacement. This creates a much more realistic appearing prosthetic ear.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/20/scientists-create-new-ear_n_2728612.html