Researchers from the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology in Vienna, Austria have reportedly found a way to grow three dimensional human brain tissues in a lab using stem cells.
Researchers from the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology in Vienna, Austria have reportedly found a way to grow three dimensional human brain tissues in a lab using stem cells.
By figuring out the correct culture conditions, the researchers grew what they call a cerebral organoid, or mini brain, that is around four millimeters large and was able to survive up to 10 months.
Growing cells from animals and humans in a lab is nothing new, but most of the Petri dish cultures could only grow in a thin two dimensional layer.
New methods have made it possible to grow three dimensional tissue cells.
Doctor. Madeline A. Lancaster, the first author of the publication said: “In addition to the potential for new insights into the development of human brain disorders, mini brains will also be of great interest to the pharmaceutical and chemical industry. They allow for the testing of therapies against brain defects and other neuronal disorders. .”
Several studies have begun that are working with the three dimensional human brain tissue cultures.
Some are focused on treating brain injury and disease, while others are looking at brain cell development or function.