Can we 3D print organs? While that question might sound like the stuff of a science fiction novel, each day brings us nearer to a future where the answer could be a definite yes.

Additive manufacturing (AM) – commonly referred to as 3D printing – has radically advanced in the last few decades. Now, there is a growing interest in the possibility of using AM techniques to create heart valves, muscle tissues, and other replacement tissues and organs.

FOR YOU: How Modern Research is Improving Joint Replacement Outcomes – Interview

The March/April 2024 issue of Standardization News is now live, covering this and other revolutionary new developments that are shaping the future of medical devices. Our cover story in particular gives many details on the ways AM could lead to a radical transformation in the production of human tissue and organs.

But human tissue isn’t the only area of medicine being transformed by contemporary standards. Exoskeletons are another field that is attracting attention from the medical community, offering to help patients experiencing paralysis or other illnesses, diseases, and injuries. And with a new survey, ASTM International’s Exo Technology Center of Excellence (ET CoE) is going deeper to support practitioners as they begin to adopt this promising new technology.

Medical devices are also central to the interview with Dr. Kenneth Urish, Ph.D., a clinician and researcher who is doing pathbreaking work on robotic surgery, antibiotics, and other methods that have the potential to improve outcomes for patients who have undergone joint replacement surgery.

Our issue covers many other topics besides medical devices. Features also focus on standards for PFAS, the “forever chemicals” that are attracting increased attention for their hazardous nature, and how unmanned aerial systems – drones – are offering access to dangerous or hard-to-reach areas for real-estate assessments. And the latest Data Points column offers a great primer on the meaning of statistical confidence.

READ MORE: Medical Exoskeletons, A Transformative Technology

As always, the issue also covers some of the latest standards and work items from ASTM, provides information on scholarships and other awards, and offers details on the many happenings of ASTM and its members.

Check out the full issue here!