Only humans and animals have skin, right?
Our skin is the biggest sense organ in our body. It helps us feel and protects us from really hot and cold weather. We know that living things like humans and animals have skin (or fur!). Non-living things do not. But this could change very soon. Japanese scientists have invented something really cool. They have made human skin!
How did they make human skin?
These scientists used real human skin to make this new skin. It even looks and feels real! Human skin has a special power. It can heal itself when we get a small cut or bruise. It goes back to looking normal in a few days. The new man-made skin can also repair itself! It is even waterproof.
How could we humans use this invention?
This skin could be used to cover a whole robot. Then they would look just like us! Since they look just like normal people, they won’t scare humans away. These robots could be used to bring us food in restaurants. They can take up jobs that are dangerous for human beings, like firefighters!
Could human beings use this lab-made skin?
Yes! Some human beings use this new skin too. Normal human skin repairs itself. But some people’s skin cannot do this. This can happen if their skin was badly wounded or burned. New skin can be used to replace burnt skin. This will help the skin look normal. Sometimes, people lose body parts in terrible accidents. They use fake body parts made out of plastic or metal. A fake arm or leg could be covered with skin, and look just like a real one!
What does the future hold for this invention?
The scientists want to take their new skin to big Japanese robotics companies. They even want to create nails and hair to place on the skin to make it look more natural. Because of this new skin, we may be able to welcome robots to our human world soon. Wouldn’t that be so exciting?
