Growing Organs, Internally

Introduction

A Whole functionaLorgan has been successfully grown inside an animal for the first time. Thymus, an organ found near the heart, produces T-cells which help fight infections and are crucial to the immune system. The organ was grown from scratch through genetically reprogrammed mouse embryo cells which were injected in mice. The cells, mixed with other support-role cells, developed into a fully functional thymus. The research is of immense value in the field of regenerative medicine. It also offers hope to people born without a thymus. The technology, however, is yet not mature enough to be used on humans. 

Source

Down To Earth, September 2014