Using Stem Cells from Umbilical Cord Blood, Scientists Grow World's First, Complete, Artificial Liver

Fiona MacRae/TN : Nov 1, 2006
The Daily Mail

Researchers call the breakthrough a "Eureka moment."

The Daily Mail reports that British scientists have grown the world's first artificial liver from stem cells in a breakthrough "that will one day provide entire organs for transplant."

Described as a 'Eureka moment' by the Newcastle University researchers, the report states that the tissue was created from blood taken from babies' umbilical cords just a few minutes after birth.

Within five years, writes reporter Fiona MacRae, pieces of artificial tissue could be used to repair livers damaged by injury, disease, alcohol abuse and...in 15 years' time, entire liver transplants could take place using organs grown in a lab.