Abstract: A method of producing organized skeletal muscle tissue from precursor muscle cells in vitro comprises: (a) providing precursor muscle cells on a support in a tissue media; then (b) cyclically stretching and relaxing the support at least twice along a first axis during a first time period; and then (c) optionally but preferably maintaining the support in a substantially static position during a second time period; and then (d) repeating steps (b) and (c) for a number of times sufficient to enhance the functionality of the tissue formed on the support and/or produce organized skeletal muscle tissue on the solid support from the precursor muscle cells.

Abstract: A method of producing organized skeletal muscle tissue from precursor muscle cells in vitro comprises: (a) providing precursor muscle cells on a support in a tissue media; then (b) cyclically stretching and relaxing the support at least twice along a first axis during a first time period; and then (c) optionally but preferably maintaining the support in a substantially static position during a second time period; and then (d) repeating steps (b) and (c) for a number of times sufficient to enhance the functionality of the tissue formed on the support and/or produce organized skeletal muscle tissue on the solid support from the precursor muscle cells.

Abstract: A device and method for targeting objects and specifically for locating intramedullary screw openings is described. The device and method include a target magnet and a sensor comprising an elliptical array of magnetoresistive elements, designed to give information on the three-dimensional orientation of the magnet. The sensor array is designed such that each magnetoresistive element is a member of an opposing pair and relays information on their alignment with the target magnet. The array is connected to a display such that the position of the sensor in relation to the target magnet is easily discerned. The invention is lightweight and portable, capable of operating on batteries and can be used in primitive situations where a stable supply of electricity is not available.