Human Liver Grown in Lab Using Umbilical Cord Stem Cells

[Guest guest]

[Tiny liver may be used to test affects of drugs, replacing the need

for animal tests.

Liver sections large enough for transplantation may come in 15 years.]

31/10/2006

Daily Mail

By: Presswatch

Human liver grown in a lab

British scientists have grown a miniature human liver from stem cells

in a world-first breakthrough. The organ, which is the size of a 1p

piece, was created by researchers at Newcastle University, in

conjunction with a team from the United States, using a technique

which allowed them to separate stem cells from blood taken from

umbilical cords a few minutes after birth.

The liver can immediately be used to test drugs, reducing the need for

animal experiments. Within 15 years the experts hope to provide whole

sections which can be used to repair damaged livers, thus providing a

potential lifeline for future patients awaiting liver transplants. In

2004, 72 people died while on waiting lists for suitable donors.