Researchers at Southampton University have received a grant of over �200,000 to try to grow human bones outside of the body. The research could aid people with badly broken bones or skeletal problems.

The scientists will attempt to grow new bones using adult stem cells. Currently bones can be stimulated into growing only by introducing viruses, which can harm the patient.

"Bone is a living material and our skeletons renew completely within 10 years," one researcher says. "If we can find a safe way of helping bones grow, it could make a great difference to many people's lives."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/2699695.stm