organ transplant

Cells derived from rat pluripotent stem cells were enriched in the developing heart of a genetically modified mouse embryo.

Controversial Research On Creation Of Human-Animal Embryos Published

5:45pm January 26, 2017

by Rob Stein

Results from two sets of experiments provide encouragement to researchers working on "chimera" embryos that may someday be used to grow organs for transplantation into people.

A chronic shortage of donor hearts places doctors in an ethical dilemma.

Should Doctors Game The Transplant Wait List To Help Their Patients?

6:13pm July 24, 2016

by Matthew Movsesian

A cardiologist knows how to game the system to get his patients bumped up the list for a heart transplant by giving them care they don't need. Is that being a good doctor — or a moral failure?

Cleveland Clinic surgeons in February transplanted a uterus from a deceased donor into 26-year-old Lindsey McFarland, who was born without one. Though the experimental surgery was initially thought successful, a raging infection forced removal of the orga

Health & Safety

A Transplanted Uterus Offers Hope, But Procedure Stirs Debate

7:34pm June 01, 2016

by Rob Stein

At least one U.S. hospital is attempting uterine transplants for women born without a uterus, or who've lost it to disease. The surgery has yielded births in other nations, but poses real risks, too.

Queue Listen Now

In Search For Cures, Scientists Create Embryos That Are Both Animal And Human

6:51pm May 18, 2016

by Rob Stein

Researchers experimenting with chimeric embryos say they could develop into adult pigs, sheep or cows with human organs that one day might be suitable for transplantation in people.

Queue Listen Now

Image of a mini-kidney formed in a dish from human induced pluripotent stem cells.

Science

Scientists Grow Primitive Human Kidneys In A Dish

4:36pm October 07, 2015

by Rob Stein

Scientists have tried for years to grow artificial kidneys in the lab. They've gotten a bit closer by using stem cells to create an "organoid" much like a fetal kidney. But it's missing key parts.

Kevin Lopez makes breakfast with his sister Jenny. He is waiting for a donor hand to remedy a genetic defect.

Health & Safety

The Hard Work Of Waiting For A Hand Transplant

3:09pm June 10, 2015

by Rob Stein

Kevin Lopez was born missing the fingers on his right hand. Now 20, Lopez has been on a waiting list for a hand transplant since turning 18.

Queue Listen Now

"Liver buds" grow in petri dishes. The rudimentary organs are about 5 mm wide, or half the height of a classic Lego block.

Scientists Grow A Simple, Human Liver In A Petri Dish

9:48am July 04, 2013

The tiny organs created from stem cells aren't complete, but they act like regular livers when transplanted into mice, Japanese scientists say. Still, it will be years before the synthetic organs could help people with liver problems, even if further research all works out as hoped.

Queue Listen Now