The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation Season 3 Episode 5 3D Printed Body Parts

The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation season 3 episode 5 is titled "3D Printed Body Parts." The episode explores the revolutionary technology of 3D printing and how it is being used to create prosthetics and body parts. Host Mo Rocca takes viewers on a journey to learn about various companies and individuals who are pushing the boundaries of what is possible with 3D printing.

The episode begins with a profile of a company called Bespoke Innovations, which uses 3D printing to create customized prosthetic limbs that are both functional and fashionable. Viewers are introduced to two clients, a young girl who was born without a hand and a professional skateboarder who lost his leg in a motorcycle accident. The prosthetic limbs designed for them are tailor-made to fit their specific needs and preferences, and they are able to use their new limbs with ease and comfort.

Next, the episode explores the ways in which 3D printing is being used to create human body parts. Viewers are introduced to a company called Organovo, which is using 3D printing to create functional human liver tissue for use in drug testing and research. The company's CEO explains how this technology could eventually be used to create fully functioning organs for transplantation, which could revolutionize the field of organ donation.

The episode then moves on to a profile of a man who has designed and 3D printed a prosthetic hand for himself. Ivan Owen lost several of his fingers in a woodworking accident, and he was frustrated by the lack of affordable and functional prosthetics available to him. So he designed and built his own, using 3D printing technology and open source software. His design has since been downloaded by people all over the world, and he has even started a company to help others create their own prosthetic devices.

Finally, the episode explores the ways in which 3D printing is being used to create custom dental implants. Viewers are introduced to a company called Stratasys, which is using 3D printing to create dental implants that are more durable and precise than traditional methods. The episode also profiles a patient who has received a 3D printed dental implant, and she explains how the technology has improved her quality of life.

Overall, "3D Printed Body Parts" is a fascinating exploration of a technology that is changing the way we think about healthcare and prosthetics. Through the stories of individuals and companies using 3D printing to create custom solutions for unique problems, viewers are able to see the potential for this technology to improve lives in countless ways.