British scientists have made a significant breakthrough by growing the world’s first artificial liver from stem cells in the lab. Although the ‘mini-liver’ is only the size of a one dollar coin, the technique for its creation can be further developed to create a full-size functioning liver in future.The liver tissue is created from stem cells - blank cells capable of developing into different types of tissue - found in blood from the umbilical cord.
As it stands, the mini organ can be used to test new drugs, preventing disasters such as the recent 'Elephant Man' drug trial. Using lab-grown liver tissue would also reduce the number of animal experiments.
Within five years, pieces of artificial tissue could be used to repair livers damaged by injury, disease, alcohol abuse and paracetamol overdose.
And then, in just 15 years' time, entire liver transplants could take place using organs grown in a lab.
I guess it won’t be long before other human organs can be grown in the lab too. This marks a good start.
Link & Image: Daily Mail
Tags: Liver | Artificial Liver | Artificial Tissue | Organ | Science
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