The more that medical science advances, the more options a patient has when a life-threatening illness looms over them.
And over the past few decades, the wider variety of transplants that are now possible would appear to serve as a perfect example of this progress in action. However, with these advancements comes an unfortunate reality: All the skills and technology in the world can't do much for someone if there aren't enough organs to actually transplant.
Indeed, those who have found themselves on a waiting list for such an operation know full well how long and uncertain the wait can be before the procedure that saves their lives can actually take place.
But thanks to an unprecedented development in Japan, there's a chance that this reality may not be so perilous for as many people in the near future.