Journal DaWalrus's Journal: UK Scientists Grow Livers From Umbilical Stem Cells

In a double breakthrough, UK scientists at Newcastle University have successfully grown "mini-livers" from only umbilical cord blood stem cells using a NASA bioreactor that simulates weightless conditions. The article is at http://www.physorg.com/news81508036.html. Such miniature livers could allow 1) bypassing BOTH animal and human trials for liver-affecting drugs and 2) provide life saving therapy for patients awaiting liver transplants and 3) possibly allow for the eventual creation of a replacement liver from a patient's stored umbilical blood. No embryos are needed in the technique, which drew praise from ethical groups; it also provides a possible "cash cow" for space industry start ups as entrepreneurs look for ROI generators from investments in space hardware.