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Scientists use stem cells to create 3D mini lungs for research

Researchers in the US have used stem cells to develop mini 3D ‘lungs’.


Researchers in the US have used stem cells to develop mini 3D ‘lungs’.

As part of the study, published in the journal, eLife, the scientists took stem cells and manually caused a set of developmental processes to take place, which led to the creation of lung-like tissue.

The 3D mini lungs mimicked the basic structure and complexity of human lungs, and survived in the lab for over 100 days.

This creation of a 3D structure is an important breakthrough in terms of lab research, which has previously involved growing thin layers of cells in petri dishes and doesn’t always represent the level of complexity found in an actual organ.

It is thought that this work could present new opportunities to study the way that the lungs develop, as well as lung diseases and new treatments.

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