Doctors may soon be able to'draw' new bone, skin and muscle on to patients, after scientists created a pen-like device that can apply human cells directly on to seriously injured people.
The device contains stem cells and growth factors and will give surgeons greater control over where the materials are deposited.
It will also reduce the time the patient is in surgery by delivering live cells and growth factors directly to the site of injury, accelerating the regeneration of functional bone and cartilage, scientists said.
The device developed at the University of Wollongong (UOW) will eliminate the need to harvest cartilage and grow it for weeks in a lab.
The BioPen works similar to 3D printing methods by delivering cell material inside a bio-polymer such as alginate, a seaweed extract, protected by a second, outer layer of gel material.
The two layers of gel are combined in the pen head as it is extruded onto the bone surface and the surgeon 'draws' with the ink to fill in the damaged bone section.
A low powered ultra-violet light source is fixed to the device that solidifies the inks during dispensing, providing protection for the embedded cells while they are built up layer-by-layer to construct a 3D scaffold in the wound site.
Once the cells are 'drawn' onto the surgery site they will multiply, become differentiated into nerve cells, muscle cells or bone cells and will eventually turn from individual cells into a thriving community of cells in the form of a functioning a tissue, such as nerves, or a muscle.
The device can also be seeded with growth factors or other drugs to assist regrowth and recovery, while the hand-held design allows for precision in theatre and ease of transportation.
The BioPen prototype was designed and built using the 3D printing equipment in the labs at Wollongong and was handed over to clinical partners at St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, led by Professor Peter Choong, who will work on optimising the cell material for use in clinical trials.
"This type of treatment may be suitable for repairing acutely damaged bone and cartilage, for example from sporting or motor vehicle injuries," Choong, Director of Orthopaedics at St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne said.
Studies by the Group Health Research Institute in Seattle found that after several weeks of taking yoga classes, subjects reported fewer backaches and greater lower-back mobility. There's even some evidence that yoga can help fight cancer-related fatigue, manage high-blood pressure and ease chronic pain, especially joint pain. Take a look at top 10 types of yoga. 
Bikram Yoga: This popular type of yoga, also known as hot yoga, is to be practiced in rooms where temperatures can soar to 40.5 Celsius or higher. You are supposed to sweat your way through 26 poses in a precise sequence."The heat allows the body to be more supple. It increases joint lubrication as well as flexibility in muscles. " says New York-based yoga instructor Taj Harris."Dizziness, headache, lightheadedness, mild nausea and muscle cramps, are indicators that you're not tolerating that heat," he explained. "You need to remove yourself from that environment and get into air conditioning."Fertility yoga: A yoga instructor has claimed that the popular practice, which has long been praised for helping people improve their flexibility and core strength, can also be used to help women conceive. Sherry Longbottom, a registered nurse and yoga instructor, has developed fertility yoga, which avoids poses that could strain the body instead, she favours simple gentle poses that help lessen anxiety.Longbottom said that the goal of their yoga is to get blood flow in the pelvic area. She asserted that yoga can help women by helping them take a moment to relax and calm down. She added that mind, body and spirit are all tied together and once people address these areas, then they are taking care of their whole body.Anti-gravity yoga: This is a kind of aerial yoga, which involves using hammocks and silk cloths. You are suspended with these cloths about a metre from the ground and are taught yoga. The muscles are worked in unfamiliar ways so that they become more evenly toned. It is also claimed that by improving blood flow to the thyroid and pituitary glands, hormone function may be boosted.Hatha Yoga: This is an ancient and most commonly form of yoga practiced. It is supposed to encourage mind-body connection. The name roughly translates into union "of the pairs of opposites".The exercises involved are relaxing different muscle groups, regulated breathing and isometric contractions, meaning the joint angle or the muscle length does not change during the process. Meditation and deep breathing are also involved.Restorative Yoga: This type of yoga helps us to relax and unwind using props to support your body. Pillows, blankets, chairs and bolsters ares used throughout the session. Some poses include legs against the wall, the child's pose (where you sit on your heels, bend forward and let your forehead rest on the floor), and the popular 'Savasana'.Iyengar Yoga: It gives emphasis on the physical alignment of the body and breath control. The poses are meant to be be done in a precise manner and once a student has mastered the pose, it will be reflected in the mind as well. In breast cancer survivors, the Iyengar method of yoga not only promotes psychological well-being, but seems to offer immune system benefits as well, revealed the American Physiological Society. It is considered as to be one of the more active forms of yoga. Ashtanga Yoga: Also known as eight limbed yoga, this form follows a set sequence of postures in a particular order. This type of yoga helps to improve the spiritual self, deal with stress, increase mental clarity, strength and flexibility. Ashtanga yoga follows a set of series. It starts with the primary series which focuses on realigning the spine, detoxifying the body, building strength, flexibility and stamina. The advanced series are for well experienced students. Power yoga: This closely follows the Ashtanga form but doesn't follow a strict series of poses. These poses are done faster, more aggressive, and are taught widely in gyms. Vinyasa yoga: This synchronizes body movement with your breath. Each pose connects with an inhale and exhale. It emphasizes on the sun salutation, and each pose moves to the next in a 'flow'. Vinyasa movements are very smooth and almost dance-like. Tantrum Yoga: It literally means to throw a tantrum while working out. One can scream, yell, shout, throw a tantrum in order to release the inner child in you, and obviously attain catharsis. 
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