Researchers target 3D-printed body parts

Japanese scientists have said they are on their way to being able to create custom-made skin, bone and joints using a 3D-printer.

Several groups of researchers around the world have developed small masses of tissue for implants, but now they are looking to take the next step and make them functional.

Tsuyoshi Takato, a professor at the University of Tokyo Hospital, said his team had been working to create "a next-generation bio 3D-printer", which would build up thin layers of biomaterials to form custom-made parts.