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Scientists have successfully used implanted cells to grow kidneys inside a mouse whose parents were genetically engineered so their offspring would would be born without the organs.

The team, headed by Professor Hiromitsu Nakauchi of Tokyo University's Institute of Medical Science, extracted a fertilised egg obtained through the normal mating of the genetically modified parents.

The embryo was then implanted with induced pluripotent stem, or iPS, cells from a mouse with kidneys and then transplanted into the womb of a surrogate mother.

The baby mouse was born with kidneys and it is believed its bladder inflated and it produced urine as normal, MCT news agency reported

Implanted iPS cells are thought to have compensated for the kidneys the mouse should have been born without.

The team now plans to use the research to create internal organs of monkeys inside pigs.

"If we become able in the future to create human kidneys inside pigs, we'll be able to solve the problem of a lack of organs for transplant surgery," Prof Nakauchi told MCT.

yes, that's great. Lots of people die today simply because they have to wait too long queues for kidneys. Besides, they are very expensive, not everybody can afford such a surgery.

So pigs are good not only for food :-)
Did you know that certain religious sects don't allow organ implantation? They will leave the man to die, but never will agree for organ replacement.

That's a solid step for the future medicine. They now start with kidneys, and tomorrow will start growing hearts inside of animals. This is great and will help people extend their lives..

As against you, I see the dark side as well here. Now imagine everyone living 100 years on this Earth. It will swiftly lead to population aging. One should be born and die naturally. It's Ok when organ transplantation is made to several hundreds people per day, but it would not be OK if it becomes an ordinary practice.

Nathan Wrote:As against you, I see the dark side as well here. Now imagine everyone living 100 years on this Earth. It will swiftly lead to population aging. One should be born and die naturally. It's Ok when organ transplantation is made to several hundreds people per day, but it would not be OK if it becomes an ordinary practice.

you're being too pessimistic and... greedy. There is place for everybody on this planet. Not to mention that soon we will find new planets for life. So why not to offer the opportunity to live longer to those who are seriously ill? Replacing damaged organs is a great alternative/way for this purpose!