Discussion:  Farlow’s Scientific Glass Blowing is an operation that builds models of human anatomy to scale for use in the medical field by using glass blowing techniquies.  These models are designed with the use of CT scans, medical illustrations, and even casts taken from cadavers.  The hearts can be built to spec, or can be designed with an anneurism, disease, or other malfucntion so that they can be researched and tested.  The heart can also be used as a teaching model, showing students where to place a stent or catheter, or to show how the blood flows in and out of a heart.

Source:  CNN Tech

Date:  February 27, 2013

Link:  http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/27/tech/innovation/scientific-glassblowing/index.html

Discussion Questions:

• What is one reason why these models are appealing to people?
• How did creating glass models of organs become a viable business?