Growing organs in labs is not new to us. But how about growing them directly inside the body by injecting a few cells. It seems like scientists have reached that stage, to an extent. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have grown thymus glands directly inside lab mice by “reprogramming” the genes in tissue-generating cells and partnering those with support cells. Once inside the mice, this bunch of cells developed into a fully functional thymus that was fully capable of producing virus-fighting T-cells just like a real thymus. Though it does not indicate that complex organs like heart and lungs can be grown inside the body, but it does indicate scientific excellence. Since lab mice have much simpler anatomical structures and the thymus is one of the simplest organs in any animal it was accomplished. Moreover, scientists also need to make sure that organs do not turn cancerous with unlimited growth. It still remains a moment to triumph.
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