In future, 3D printers will be used to print human organs.
Such artificial organs - along with genetically modified or human cell-infused pig organs - could one day be used for human transplants.
Google bioprinting and xenotransplantation. They're sure to get your attention.
What might also get your attention is about 300 people wearing fluoro clothing at Nobbys beach on Saturday.
They'll be there for the Glow Walk, which supports the Hunter Transplant Research Foundation's fundraising efforts.
Dr Paul Trevillian, director of transplantation at John Hunter Hospital, said "we do 40 to 50 transplants a year - only kidneys".
Dr Trevillian, who's also with the Hunter Medical Research Institute [HMRI], has been in the transplant game for 50 years.
We asked him for a quick tip on avoiding kidney disease. His response: "There's no doubt drinking a lot of fluids and avoiding over-the-counter painkillers is helpful."
As for organ donor rates, they've improved dramatically in the last 10 years.
"They've doubled in Australia, largely due to an initiative by the federal government to put organ donor specialists in intensive care units," he said.
"Potential donors that were being missed are rarely missed now."
He said the waiting list for kidneys in Australia had fallen from about 2000 to about 1000.
"In the Hunter, our waiting list for kidneys has gone from 80 to 45 people," he said.
The Hunter transplant team is exploring the use of artificial intelligence in patient selection for organ transplants and decision making in ongoing treatment.
Artificial intelligence software is being developed to help doctors gain a more informed view of risks and benefits.
Glow Walk organiser Alison Brown is a transplant recipient of 19 years.
"I've seen amazing advances in this field. That's why I'm so passionate about medical research," she said.
Kidney recipient Erin Farrell, of Waratah, will attend the walk. Mrs Farrell was diagnosed with polycystic kidneys. She received a kidney from her sister in 2013.
"I wasn't on dialysis at that time, but I was certainly heading that way," she said.
"When my sister offered to donate, I was really reluctant to accept at first - but it was just the most amazing experience for us. The operation went brilliantly - I give lots of credit to the surgeons and staff at John Hunter Hospital."
Anyone interested can sign up for the Glow Walk from 4pm at Nobbys on Saturday. It includes a four-kilometre run, followed by a two-kilometre stroll.
More painful than Lego
Glen Fredericks often gets unusual sponsored Wish ads in his Facebook news feed.
"Just a picture, a price and no explanation," he said.
"Most are so bizarre, I can't even guess what they're for."
One recent Wish ad, though was different.
"I knew what these were the moment I set eyes on them - caltrops," he said.
"I'm into ancient history and they were originally invented for breaking up cavalry charges."
Alexander the Great used them, as did the Roman Empire and the Mongols during the reign of Genghis Khan.
Firstly, Glen is wondering why they're being sold to the public. Secondly, he wonders whether Topics readers would find them more painful to stand on than Lego.
Spider Alert
Speaking of Facebook ads, we came across one from Hunter & Coast Pest Control.
It warned redback spiders like to nest under the lip of wheelie bins. Yikes!
