How To Build A Human Heart | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

How To Build A Human Heart

This is not an at home DIY

53
How To Build A Human Heart
National Geographic

A recent scientific breakthrough established by the Worcester Polytechnic Institute has made leaps and bounds in the development of a human heart from practically nothing. In past attempts, the hardest part about creating a human heart (as scientists have done with ears, lungs, and skin) is establishing a working vascular system. However; these scientists got over that hump by using a template, a spinach leaf.

The spinach leaf is a great leaf to use for this: it has a large vascular system for transportation of water and minerals, and also has a propensity to round, almost like a human heart.

But How Was It Done?

First, the leaf was decellularized, leaving a cellulose scaffolding. Human cells cannot digest cellulose as we lack cellulases, the group of enzymes required for its breakdown. This means that the scaffolding cannot be used for energy and will remain in the structure. A great property of the cellulose scaffolding for a human heart, is its flexibility. Cellulose’s flexibility will allow for the heart to beat, fluidly moving with the blood flow.

After obtaining just a cellulose scaffolding, human cells were grown on the scaffolding to give a new heart like shape to the template. If this proceeded into human trials, heart cells would be extracted from the patient’s heart to be grown onto the template. This will decrease the chance of organ transplant rejection.

However, the biggest achievement this discovery accomplished was demonstrating a flow of liquid through the veins. Because the newly grown human cells on the leaf resembled a clear color, microbeads about the size of the largest blood cell (monocyte) was mixed with red dye and pumped through the veins. And it worked! The veins were large enough to carry through the largest cellular component of about 20 micrometers in diameter.

This step was the hardest of them all due to plants only needing to carry up water and minerals through their veins (which are nanoparticles); which led scientists to believe they did not have the capacity to carry microparticles.

Regardless of their doubts, they tried it anyways and it paid off. While this research is still brand new, its potential is beyond its years. Hopefully this project will receive the funding by the NIH (National Institutes of Health) that it deserves.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
people  in library
Photo by redcharlie on Unsplash

College involves a whirlwind of emotions, whether it’s from the stress of an assignment (or twenty), or from fighting with your roommate. It can be overwhelming at times and it’s important to take a step a back and calmly think things over. Maybe gain some perspective. The following aren’t foolproof tips and may not apply to you, but I was able to find success with them (hope you do too!)

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

How The Holidays Have Changed

It all started when we learned the truth about Santa.

2090
best wishes for Christmas
Pinterest

It is no secret that many American traditions have changed over time. As we grow older we change in so many ways that it only makes sense that we also change the way we celebrate special occasions. Of course when it comes to the holidays there are some family traditions that many of us still excitedly look forward to, whether it is eating your favorite dish or seeing favorite cousin. However, we all know that the holidays have overall changed a little from what they used to be.

Keep Reading...Show less
theatre cast

Everyone who has done musicals knows that once you go there you can never go back. It's like a virus. It never leaves and you find yourself attracted to all types of theater things. You're drawn to it like a moth to a flame. There are certain things you know to be true, whether you did a musical once or have done them your entire life.

Keep Reading...Show less
couple winter
Pexels

When you come home over Christmas break, it's hard to find fun in your hometown. During the winter, it's hard to find the motivation to go out and find things to do. However, there are plenty of fun things to do in almost any town, and there are tons of fun date ideas that aren't taken advantage of. Here are nine fun winter dates to go on.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

25 Things To Do In The 25 Days Leading Up To Christmas

The best holiday deserves an entire month of celebrating.

4286
Christmas Socks  Fireplace
Wesley Tingey

Christmas is arguably one of the most popular holidays of the year. Whether you think Christmas celebrations should be strictly reserved for December, or you're setting up your tree and lights on November 1st, Christmas time is the best time. Filling an entire month with Christmas activities seems like it could be impossible, but I am here to fix that for you. Here are twenty-five of the best things to do in the twenty-five days leading up to Christmas.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments