The thickness, structure, and biological function are different between a vein and an artery. Cryopreserved arteries could provide a virtually limitless supply of arterial conduit for use as long-lasting bypass grafts. Studies up to this point have failed to prevent fractures largely because of a lack of understanding of thermal and mechanical properties of the artery at low temperatures. We are using novel experimental and computational techniques to discover optimal freezing conditions. I believe one of the most important purposes of why we study science, why we do research, is to improve the environment and our health.
Science generates knowledge to the benefit of the human being.
If we can preserve living cells, tissues and organs, we can save lives. That's not my purpose, but eventually maybe we'll find a way. Each year 260,000 Americans suffer from chronic kidney failure, requiring hemodialysis or a kidney transplant to live. Gao was awarded the Chang-Jiang Chair Professorship from the Ministry of Education, People's Republic of China, and received major funding to establish a biomedical engineering institute at his alma mater, the University of Science and Technology of China. Gao has obtained a large amount of funding from the Baxter Healthcare Corporation in Chicago, an international biomedical company with research and manufacturing facilities in the United States, Europe and Asia.