An artificial liver
For the first time in the world of British scientists were able to artificially create a human liver. In the laboratory staff of the University of Newcastle received a "mini-liver" size of a small coin. Researchers to achieve a similar result using stem cells from the particles of blood extracted from umbilical cord minutes after birth.
The cells were placed in a special "bioreactor" for the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The device simulates the weightless state, which accelerates cell division. The scientists then added back some of the hormones and chemicals that the liver is possible to obtain small size.
Even after 2 years of "mini-livers" will be used to test new drugs. The number of tests on animals such procedures significantly reduced.
Scientists in 5 years plan to learn how to use the larger part of the artificial liver to replace the damaged parts of this important organ in humans. In 15 years will be to conduct operations to replace the patient to an artificial liver. Tells Interfax
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