dan, Author at Project Heart

Market

25-30 expert medical scientists, all focused on growing a heart. The goal is 20 years or less, and with the right talent and an already realized proof of concept, we will succeed. The cells needed have already been discovered and everyone who needs help has them. If we can grow a heart, imagine what else we can do.

Research

25–30 expert medical scientists, all focused on growing a heart. The goal is in 20 years or less, with the right talent and demonstrated proof of concept, we will succeed. The cells needed have already been discovered and everyone who needs help has them. If we can grow a heart, imagine what else we can do. 

Cost

$2.4 million dollars a year funds a full team of in-lab medical scientists. Their one and only mission is to grow a heart. This isn’t the discovery phase. This is development. Accelerated by current advancements, and a fully focused team, the goal of growing a heart in less than 10 years is completely achievable. That’s a once in a lifetime ROI.

Time

20 years – That’s all we need to solve this problem. By 2040 we will be adding decades to people’s lives. That could mean another 50 to 60+ years of life for many people who are fighting complex CHD today. The discoveries and advancements we already have provide not only the path, but the confidence to get there. 

Fully Functional Heart

Scientists and researchers are exploring how stem cells can grow and organize into a functional heart. They are currently replicating the framework that creates the signaling process that guides the pluripotent stem cells.

Bioengineered Heart Patch

Stem cell research has also led to the development of heart patches that can help regenerate tissue when implanted onto a heart damaged from heart attacks or severe defects.

Natural Heart Prototypes

Scientist looking at a hear on a computer.

Researchers have successfully grown three-dimensional heart tissue and “mini” hearts in the laboratory. They are not fully functional but have contributed greatly to the study of heart diseases and treatments.

Heart Cells Created

One of the biggest breakthroughs in recent years is the ability to reprogram a patient’s stem cells to create heart cells that can beat autonomously just like natural heart cells.

Pluripotent stem cells are the Building Blocks

Scientist picking up a test tube with tweezers

Scientists are particularly interested in the pluripotent stem cell because they have the unique ability to develop into any tissue or cell type in the body. Harnessing the power to guide these cells is the key to repairing and regenerating damaged heart tissue and eventually grow a fully functional heart.