Print Life Soon

Video, 2020

Inspired by 3D bioprinting technology, I tried to discuss the morals and ethics of life.

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting is the utilization of 3D printing–like techniques to combine cells, growth factors, and/or biomaterials to fabricate biomedical parts, often with the aim of imitating natural tissue characteristics. Currently, bioprinting can be used to print tissues and organs to help research drugs and pills. Artificial organs such as livers and kidneys made by 3D bioprinting have been shown to lack crucial elements that affect the body such as working blood vessels, tubules for collecting urine, and the growth of billions of cells required for these organs. Without these components, the body has no way to get the essential nutrients and oxygen deep within their interiors. (From Wikipedia)

In 2019, Engineering researchers from Carnegie Mellon University had published in Science a breakthrough 3D bioprinting method that brings the field of tissue engineering one step closer to being able to 3D print a full-sized, adult human heart.

How long until we print a living heart? How long will it take to print a "custom" baby when we have such technology? We can choose his skin color, eye shape, height, personality, etc. But, when we create one perfect baby after another, what will we face?