New Organ Discovered: Something New Every Day

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the recent discovery of a new organ, referred to as the interstitium, and its implications for understanding human anatomy and physiology. Participants explore the definitions of what constitutes an organ, the historical context of organ discoveries, and potential connections to diseases, particularly in relation to the lymphatic system.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express interest in the discovery of the interstitium and its implications for the understanding of human anatomy.
  • Others argue that these 'new organs' were previously known structures, and their classification as organs is a matter of definition and understanding.
  • A participant mentions the historical context of organ discoveries, noting a pattern of announcements around significant dates like Christmas and Easter.
  • There is a suggestion that the interstitium could explain certain obscure aspects of diseases, particularly its connection to the lymphatic system.
  • Some participants express skepticism about the validity of the discovery, questioning the methods used in the research and the conclusions drawn from it.
  • One participant emphasizes that scientific claims do not need to be "true" in a conventional sense but must be supported by evidence.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the classification of the interstitium as a new organ, with some supporting its recognition and others challenging the validity of the discovery. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications and definitions surrounding the concept of an organ.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the dependence on definitions of what constitutes an organ and the historical context of anatomical discoveries. There are unresolved questions regarding the methods used in the research and the implications for understanding human physiology.

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Yes, I read it too. It was quite interesting. Also the cancer connection to the lymph system
 
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Interstitium, the new organ, was based on the original paper quoted by the OP above. The article was published March 27, 2018.
E.g. Relevant quotes:
"and as a result propose a large-scale revision of the macro- and microanatomy of the human interstitium."

"In sum, we describe the anatomy and histology of a previously unrecognized, though widespread, macroscopic, fluid-filled space within and between tissues, a novel expansion and specification of the concept of the human interstitium."

Last time a new organ was discovered was around Christmas time (more than a year ago - see previous post). This time it happened around Easter time. It seems, either way, we get an organ as a gift! ...
 
These 'new organs' were of course existent known structures before, but their exact coherence, function and role was just realized, understood and announced recently, "exalting" them to the level of 'organ' ...

I think it's also a matter of definition, [i.e.] what we consider as organ and what not ...
It reminds me the similar case/story of Pluto (in Astronomy), i.e. whether Pluto is a planet or not ...
 
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I think the important thing about it was, there was a lymphatic system known physiological function.
This thing just seems to be what is immediately upstream of the lymphatic system (that's my understanding at least) and feeds into it).
It would seem to be something that is elaborated through, at least, many different tissues.

It was not known, or previously described as a deficiency in understanding, previously.
It could explain some obscure aspects of certain diseases.
 
BillTre said:
It could explain some obscure aspects of certain diseases.
Like this, for instance (?) ...
jedishrfu said:
the cancer connection to the lymph system
 
something ain't right here, not sure what it is but I doubt they found a new organ. anywho if they did (they didn't), from what I can understand about that especially long winded explanation and it didn't make sense to me that they were staining live subject or figured out they were stem cells from staining. nothing about this article seems right.

I guess I could dig deeper but I don't really care enough to, just because it's in the journal Nature doesn't make it true.
 
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Chris Riccard said:
true
What do you mean "true"? It doesn't have to be true to be scientific. As long as it is properly supported ... . That's how science evolves.
Do you have any references to support your view?
 
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