Decellurization
Decellurization is an absolutely fascinating process in which cells are “discharged” from organs, leaving only the connective tissue.
The first step involves the application of a specialized detergent known to be an efficient solubilizer, without affecting the integrity of the protein in the tissue. Then, a recombinant endonuclease is used to degrade nucleic acids. (I had to quote Wiki there because I’m pretty sure there was no other way to get the word “solubilizer” into your day today)
This process has tremendous implications for organ donation and transplants, as it maintains structural function yet greatly reduces the immunological response that causes organs to be rejected. It can be done by pumping the detergent through the organ, or submerging the organ.
Science!
If you are as captivated by this as I am, don’t miss the work of Iori Tomita and Brandon Ballengee.
SheWalksSoftly 
August 22, 2014 at 6:32 pm
So strange… they look like Greek statues. Imagine if an old statue toppled over, shattered and these things spread all over the floor!
August 23, 2014 at 1:41 am
I also thought they looked like statues, actually!
August 23, 2014 at 2:13 am
When I first saw this I nearly blanched. Fascinating, and really neat to see. Almost looks like some sort of plastination process for preserving and studying tissue.
August 23, 2014 at 10:40 pm
It does! But these organs can report for duty. 🙂
August 24, 2014 at 9:47 pm
“Yes, but how do they taste?” says a cannibal somewhere.
August 24, 2014 at 10:42 pm
“Bland,” says the cannibal who answers.
August 27, 2014 at 10:35 pm
Cool and a bit spooky for some reason. But even cooler because of the retained functionality!
August 28, 2014 at 3:23 pm
Yes, they are like ghosts that take on new life!