Harriet and Matt are one of the volunteer couples who will exchange bones. Couples who want to share more than vows are getting the opportunity to share their bone too in a “bio jewellery” research project. Using bioglass, a special bioactive ceramic which mimics the structure of bone material, researchers are growing rings made out of the couples’ bone.

Five couples are having the rings made. They will be grown from bone cells taken from their jawbone. The project in London aims to ignite public debate about bioengineering. “By talking about science breakthroughs as designers, we can make objects and engage the public, their imagination and their desires and so on,” Tobie Kerridge, co-researcher on the project, said. — Agencies