Stem cell? Here's the next step

[FrodeauxB at aol.com]

Subj:    Lay an Egg, Grow an Organ
Date:   8/19/01 10:47:26 PM Central Daylight Time
From:   fff at futurefeedforward.com (futurefeedforward)
To: frodeauxb at aol.com



February 18, 2072

Lay an Egg, Grow an Organ

MINNEAPOLIS, MN--Consumer biosciences giant Monsanto Mills today unveiled 
plans to market a replacement-organ cultivation technology with a novel, 
consumer-friendly interface modeled on traditional agrarian processes.  The 
as-yet unnamed product embeds organ cultivation in the familiar practice of 
plant husbandry, and is designed to evoke the warm, nostalgic feelings 
associated with America's historic farms.  "The real challenge for 
replacement-organ cultivation isn't actually growing genetically compatible 
organs," explains Monsanto's VP of Human Development Eunice Freelie.  "The 
real challenge is getting people to adopt organ cultivation as a part of 
their everyday lives.  Our new approach will overcome some of the popular, 
though undeserved, aversion to organ cultivation."

    The new product, packaged in wood pulp cartons reminiscent of those 
traditionally used to market food-grade chicken eggs, consists of a series of 
color-coded, egg-shaped "sample vectors," each designed to produce a 
particular organ system:  red for kidneys, blue for a liver, pink and yellow 
for a heart, and ecru for lungs.  The eggs are covered in a flexible 
selectively-absorbent membrane containing a proprietary combination of 
natural and artificial proteins and growth-factors.  Consumers swallow the 
eggs whole, as many as three at a sitting according to preference.  "It's a 
bit like downing a large oyster," explains Freelie.  "We considered 
chewables, but felt that anything that violated the integrity of the eggs 
would not be consistent with our vision."

    Resisting digestion, the eggs' absorbent membranes collect an array of 
samples as they pass through the digestive track, including cells from the 
lining of the stomach and small intestines.  Exploiting a patented 
hemo-osmotic process, the complex polymer membranes store imprints of key 
proteins, enabling the eggs to tailor subsequent organ development to the 
protenomic phenotype of the individual consumer.

    After passing the eggs, consumers plant them in conventional potting 
soil.  Within 7-10 days, the first sprouts appear, and, after 4-6 weeks of 
cultivation, the plants begin to bear large, egg-shaped fruit.  Colored to 
coordinate with the egg from which it has sprouted, the rind of each fruit 
also bears tattoo-like marks shaped like the organ with which they are 
associated.  The fruit ripens within days and can be picked once it makes a 
full, hollow sound when thumped.

    The melons each contain a set of organs of the appropriate type: handy, 
portable, and ready for immediate transplantation.  Stored in sawdust, or in 
a cool, dry place, they can keep for up to 8 weeks.

    "This new process has been testing very well in our focus groups," notes 
Freelie.  "Research had shown us, time and again, that people wanted to have 
genetically compatible organs available for transplant, but were intimidated 
by the popular image of weird tanks in a sinister lab.  They also didn't like 
the idea of giving up control over their own tissue.

    "Now we're addressing those concerns.  This is a very user-friendly 
process.  It involves cute eggs, something everybody can relate to.  And the 
laying of eggs, just like a chicken on the farm.  Plus growing a beautiful 
plant.  There's nothing more natural and human than working with the soil.  
We're leveraging familiar skills and ideas to drive adoption of a technology 
everybody wants but few are yet comfortable with.  This is a sure winner, and 
a real triumph for our product design folks."

    Market trials are scheduled to begin late next month, with world-wide 
product roll-out planned in time for the spring planting season.

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