Research Loop Archives - Project Heart

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.