The cover story of the November issue of Wired magazine takes a good, hard look at breast-augmentation surgery — that’s right, boob jobs.
Much more than a superficial read, the article takes a smart and in-depth look at an ambitious new
method of breast enhancement that is more than just a cosmetic procedure: It is a less-controversial way to introduce stem cell usage to the mass market. In fact, the pursuit of the perfect breast could be the key to a major breakthrough in regenerative medicine.
In “All Natural,” ace science writer Sharon Begley investigates Chris Calhoun and the process he spent eight years developing at Cytori Therapeutics in San Diego. Calhoun and his team have pioneered the first practical application of stem cell–enriched fat tissue — in this case, allowing women to grow a new pair of breasts.
Beyond that, the procedure might be the fix for a lot of other serious things, like chronic heart disease or kidney injury after cancer treatment. In other words, fat from one place can engineer a better bust line, but it can also be used to heal and rebuild a damaged human body. Read the story to find out the complex science behind the incredible medical breakthrough.
In this week’s Storyboard podcast, Wired senior editor Jason Tanz fills in for Adam Rogers. Tanz talks with Begley, and they drill even deeper into an already-fascinating story.