Scientists grow new heart valves from stem cells

Scientists at the University of Zurich have used stem cells obtained from fetal fluid to grow new heart valves for repairing damaged hearts. The work builds on new research into growing bladders and blood vessels from stem cells as researchers find more effective ways to mend or replace damaged body parts. By using stem cells drawn from the patient, researchers say they will eventually be able to provide new body parts that will be far superior to transplants. These parts will be able to grow with the body. About one in every hundred newborns have heart damage, making it a leading killer of babies in the United States. Theoretically the amniotic stem cells can also be frozen and stored for later use, when aging patients will need to replace deteriorating body parts.

- check out this report on the stem cell work from the Seattle Times

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