Science has produced lots of amazing things -- the hydrogen bomb, gene sequencing -- and now, an artificial mouse sphincter grown from human cells.

In the upcoming Gastroenterology journal report by a team led by Shreya Rhagavan of the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor, researchers relate that they have successfully mixed human muscle cells with mouse nerves, and then grown them on a circular mold to make replacement sphincter rings. The findings could have implications for aging Baby Boomers.

"Fecal incontinence because of degenerated or weakened internal anal sphincter (IAS) has a high incidence rate in aging populations," begins the study. "Bioengineering could play a role in developing a translational approach to remedy fecal incontinence because of weakened IAS."

After implanting the lab-grown circles into eight mice, the new structures were successfully colonized by blood vessels and performed their intended function, says the study.

"In essence, we have built a replacement sphincter that we hope can one day benefit human patients. This is the first bioengineered sphincter made with both muscle and nerve cells, making it 'pre-wired' for placement in the body," said senior author Khalil Bitar of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center's Institute for Regenerative Medicine, in a statement.