Scientists have grown a liver in the laboratory, offering fresh hope to millions of people with diseased and damaged organs. It raises the prospect of those in need of transplants one day being offered livers that are 'made to order'. Patches of artificial tissue could be used to repair livers damaged by injury, disease, alcohol abuse and paracetamol overdose. Other possibilities include sections of artificial livers to keep those needing transplants alive - in much the same way as a dialysis machine is used to treat kidney failure. Millions of Britons live with liver disease and it claims more than 16,000 lives a year - more than diabetes and traffic accidents combined. Up to 600 transplants are carried out a year - but some patients will inevitably die while waiting for a suitable donor. (Daily Mail)
Sunday, 13 June 2010
'Grow-your-own' organs hope after scientists produce liver in lab from stem cells
Scientists have grown a liver in the laboratory, offering fresh hope to millions of people with diseased and damaged organs. It raises the prospect of those in need of transplants one day being offered livers that are 'made to order'. Patches of artificial tissue could be used to repair livers damaged by injury, disease, alcohol abuse and paracetamol overdose. Other possibilities include sections of artificial livers to keep those needing transplants alive - in much the same way as a dialysis machine is used to treat kidney failure. Millions of Britons live with liver disease and it claims more than 16,000 lives a year - more than diabetes and traffic accidents combined. Up to 600 transplants are carried out a year - but some patients will inevitably die while waiting for a suitable donor. (Daily Mail)
