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Scientists grow organ in lab ~ Replacement body parts could be on shelves in 10 years
Monday, August 25, 2014 16:30
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| British scientists have built a complete and functional organ in a living animal for the first time. |
The team produced it by reprogramming cells in a step towards being able to grow replacement organs for humans. It could be used in humans within 10 years, experts believe.
The scientists created a working thymus, which is a vital immune system nerve centre near the heart.
Professor Clare Blackburn, who led the team at the Medical Research Council Centre for Regenerative Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, said: “The ability to grow organs from cells in the lab is one of the holy grails of regenerative medicine.
“We’ve managed to produce an artificial cell type that can form a fully organised organ. This is a first step towards generating an artificial thymus in the lab.”
Source: http://www.ascensionearth2012.org/2014/08/scientists-grow-organ-in-lab.html
