Scientists in Wales are 3D-printing cartilage for people born without body parts or who have missing facial features due to facial scarring. Using human cells and plant based materials, the experts say they are able to print ears, noses and other parts to help with facial reconstruction. The technology would benefit those who have had facial scarring as a result of burns, cancer and other types of trauma. The Scar Free Foundation has launched a three-year £2.5 million programme of'regenerative research' into the technology based at Swansea University with the aim to progress to clinical trials involving humans. A three-year ££2.5 million research programme funded by the Scar Free Foundation and Health and Care Research Wales at Swansea University will aim to advance the development of 3D bioprinted facial cartilage According to the Scar Free Foundation, patients living with the loss of facial features have told researchers that existing plastic prostheses didn't feel'part of them' and would prefer their own tissue to be used for reconstruction.