Scientists closer to developing artificial liver

MIT researchers, including an Indian origin scientist, have made a breakthrough that may lead to development of artificial livers for transplantation. Scientists trying to exploit the ability of liver to grow in hopes of producing artificial liver tissue for transplantation have repeatedly been stymied.

MIT researchers, including an Indian origin scientist, have made a breakthrough that may lead to development of artificial livers for transplantation. Scientists trying to exploit the ability of liver to grow in hopes of producing artificial liver tissue for transplantation have repeatedly been stymied.

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Mature liver cells, known as hepatocytes, quickly lose their normal function when removed from the body. According to engineer Sangeeta Bhatia the liver can indeed regenerate itself if part of it is removed.