Stem cell scientists grow liver
THE world's first artificial human liver has been grown by UK scientists.
Experts used stem cells from umbilical cords to produce a tiny version of the body's largest internal organ.
Researchers believe the mini-liver could be used to test new drugs, ending the need for animal testing and clinical trials using human volunteers.
And they reckon that within a decade, they will be able to grow full-sized livers to use in transplants.
The mini-liver has been produced by Dr Nico Forraz and Professor Colin McGuckin from Newcastle University.
Dr Forraz said: "We have taken a little bit of umbilical cord blood, and then it is all about enhancing things that already exist.
"We cannot build a fullsized liver yet. That will take about 10 years. But this is the first important step.
"We expect this to really take off in the next 18 months or so.
"Our long-term aim is to start manufacturing, which will create many jobs. Once we get started our customer base will be truly global."
The two scientists have formed a company called ConoStem to market their discovery.
They are being supported by the Centre of Excellence for Life Sciences, a funding body who back biotechnology projects in north-east England.
Mike Asher, chief executive of the Centre of Excellence, said: "We are very excited about the work they are doing.
"It shows that we are starting to understand the world of stem cells and can manipulate them.
"Biotechnology is moving forward at an incredible rate. A whole range of possibilities are opening up which we would not have even dreamed about a decade ago."
Stem cells are the body's "building blocks" - undeveloped cells which scientists are starting to "programme" to produce different kinds of tissue.
Experts believe the cells could eventually be used to cure a host of diseases including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
But some religious groups object to the research because many stem cells used by scientists are taken from young human embryos. The embryos have to be destroyed in the process.
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