In the latest edition of the professional journal “Science”, Jürgen Knoblich, a leading authority on stem cells and deputy director of the IMBA (Institute for Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences), together with international experts, presents a first ethical guideline for research into human organ models. In the article, he also argues for critical and responsible engagement with the new technology.
Organ models, which are cultivated in the laboratory from human stem cells and grow into living tissue, are one of the most important scientific breakthroughs of recent years. Scientists, patients and the wider public have high hopes for this emerging field of research, as so-called “organoids” have a huge potential in terms of research and modern medicine. In-vitro organ models allow complex organ development studies and pathogenetic analyses to be carried out directly in human tissue. New substances and therapies can be tested on human material much more quickly using this technology. Regenerative medical practice could conceivably cultivate the required tissue in the laboratory from the cells of a patient and, lessen dependency on organ donations. The use of organoids could also significantly reduce the need for animal experiments, although biologists believe these cannot be completely eliminated in the foreseeable future.
Organoids – high hopes and bioethical dilemmas
From an ethical perspective, this new technology raises a whole range of issues. These include important caveats in relation to the use of human embryonic stem cells or the application of gene therapies to prevent or treat diseases. Jürgen Knoblich believes that “the development of organoids is unexplored scientific territory. As a researcher, I am fascinated by the huge potential of this technology. However, I also believe it’s my job to actively promote dialogue around responsible research and to engage the wider public in the discussion”. In 2013, the stem cell specialist made scientific headlines worldwide with his laboratory-cultivated brain models. In the latest policy statement issued in collaboration with the immunologist and geneticist Hans Clevers and the bioethicist and Member of the Dutch Parliament, Annelien Bredenoord, the researchers also examined for the first time the most important ethical dimensions of organoid research. According to Knoblich, “we hope that our work has created a solid foundation for the establishment of framework conditions for responsible engagement with this new technology”.
Learn more: SCIENTISTS INITIATE FIRST ETHICAL GUIDELINES FOR ORGANS CULTIVATED IN VITRO
[osd_subscribe categories=’organoids’ placeholder=’Email Address’ button_text=’Subscribe Now for any new posts on the topic “ORGANOIDS”‘]
Receive an email update when we add a new ORGANOIDS article.
The Latest on: Human organ models
[google_news title=”” keyword=”human organ models” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
via Google News
The Latest on: Human organ models
- Damaging impact of heat waves on vital organson May 7, 2024 at 5:00 pm
These organs have a complex and multidirectional communication ... understanding the gut-liver-brain communication or "axis" is crucial to protecting human health. Their study, which was conducted on ...
- Fruit fly model identifies key regulators behind organ developmenton May 7, 2024 at 6:24 am
A new computational model simulating fruit fly wing development has enabled researchers to identify previously hidden mechanisms behind organ generation.
- Revolutionizing Alzheimer’s Research: Cornell Scientists Develop Groundbreaking Neuron Modelon May 6, 2024 at 10:07 pm
Scientists at Weill Cornell Medicine have developed an innovative human neuron model that robustly simulates the spread of tau protein aggregates in the brain—a process that drives cognitive decline ...
- First steps toward a whole-body map of molecular responses to exerciseon May 5, 2024 at 5:50 am
Research definitively confirms that muscle-moving, calorie-burning activity slows the advance of disease, improves cognitive function, boosts the immune system, and reduces rates of mortality from all ...
- Fetal Organoids Generated From Human Amniotic Fluidon May 2, 2024 at 5:00 pm
3 However, the generation of fetal organoids is complicated by ethical and legal restrictions on the harvesting of the human tissues needed to generate the mini-organs. “Having access to the fetal ...
- Plastic can silently enter our body with every breath we takeon May 2, 2024 at 10:30 am
Research shows inhaled plastic particles deposit in the respiratory system, affecting health based on size, shape, and breathing rate.
- PhysioMimix® OOC Microphysiological Systems for microtissue culturingon April 30, 2024 at 8:42 am
The PhysioMimix ® OOC range of Microphysiological Systems culture advanced single- and multi-organ-on-a-chip models to produce human-specific pre-clinical safety and effectiveness data when ...
- UNF students create realistic 3D models of human organs in class thought to be first in nationon April 29, 2024 at 2:15 am
Working with the Mayo Clinic, the University of North Florida teaches a course called Anatomy in 3D designed to prepare for a growing medical field.
- Students create realistic 3D models of human organs in new class at UNFon April 29, 2024 at 2:15 am
Working with the Mayo Clinic, the University of North Florida teaches a course called Anatomy in 3D designed to prepare for a growing medical field.
via Bing News