Regenerating Tissues

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Overview

Kari Jensen [3]

v2.0_Regenerating_Tissues.JPG [4]

v2.0_Regenerating_Tissues_2.JPG [5]

v2.0_Regenerating_Tissues_3.JPG [6]

Description:

Visitors see how nanomaterials are able to form tiny structures called nanoscaffolds that help the body repair damaged muscle, bone, and nerve tissues. In the interactive, an injured nerve is unable to communicate messages. After injecting nanoparticles, visitors can watch as the nerve endings grow back together, and sensory messages are once again able to reach the brain.

Objectives

Big Idea:

Researchers are working on ways to repair tissues with nanotechnology.

Learning goals:

Nerve tissue injuries are typically permanent because scar tissue prevents injured nerve cells from reconnecting.
Researchers have created a fluid that can be injected into an injured brain that self-assembles into a nanoscaffold that actually helps the brain heal.
The nanoscaffold enables neurons to grow towards one another, "knitting" the wounded brain back together.

NISE Net Content Map:

Nanoscience, nanotechnology, and nanoengineering lead to new knowledge and innovations that weren't possible before.

Universal design:

Provide multiple entry points and multiple ways of engagement

Credits

Developed for the NISE Network with funding from the National Science Foundation under Award Numbers 0532536 and 0940143. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this product are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation.