Researchers in Washington have demonstrated a new device that they say could one day print sheets of human skin to treat burn victims and injured soldiers.
The so-called bio-printer uses the same technology as the simple ink-jet printer found in most offices and many homes.
The bio-printer would take cells from a patient and print pieces of new compatible skin for grafts.
Another printer uses donor cells and other biological materials to build muscle and cartilage.
The researchers say they are happy with the results of laboratory tests so far and hope some day to use the science to create new organs.