Four days of tissue engineering camp.(SCIENCE & MATH CORNER)(Short story)

I stared up at the large glass building, resplendent on the sloping, lush lawns. I was about to start the PTEI summer camp. PTEI (Pittsburgh Tissue Engineering Initiative) is a nonprofit organization that helps sponsor and educate young people interested in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

I had heard once that physics was the main science in the 20th century; many important achievements such as putting a man on the moon and the digital computer revolution primarily used physics. However, in the 21st century, more focus will be on biology, mainly tissue engineering and biotechnology.

My thoughts were interrupted when a tall woman announced to the multitude of middle school students that it was time to go inside.

After we signed in at the security desk, a man came up to the front of our classroom, and introduced himself as our instructor, and proceeded to explain what, exactly, was tissue engineering: "Tissue engineering is the science of trying to help the many people who have lost digits and limbs regrow them. So far, much progress has been made, although we cannot yet actually regenerate whole arms or legs. However we are learning to replace or enhance biological functions that have been lost or impaired."

It was time to work. We were separated into pairs, and our counselor explained what to do. "Take this pipette, and insert five milligrams of water ..." The morning passed in a flash.

After a catered lunch of pizza (and a quick game of Ultimate Frisbee), we returned to the blissfully air-conditioned classroom. It was time for the chicken dissection, fondly called "Chicken Little." I eagerly fingered my scalpel as I stared at the chicken leg. "Okay, you can begin," announced the counselor. I immediately slit open the skin, and peeled away several layers of fat, tissue, and muscle.

"Now what do you think this is?" asked the counselor, pointing to a stringy white tendon.