Scientists have created a
tiny liver from stem cells that helped mice with chronic liver failure regain
function.
Researchers in Japan
transplanted 4-millimeter-wide "liver buds" made from human stem
cells into a mice. The transplanted liver buds, which were placed in the
cranium or abdomen, were able to work in conjunction with the mice's own organs
and secrete human liver-specific proteins. They also created human metabolites,
tiny molecules that are produced when the body metabolizes a substance.