Scientists Successfully Grow Miniature Human Heart in a Petri Dish

Scientists at the Technical University of Munich have successfully created a "mini-heart" organoid using stem cells, providing a model for studying heart development and diseases. The organoid, consisting of both heart muscle cells and outer heart layer cells, can replicate patient-specific heart conditions and may reduce the need for animal testing in drug development. The breakthrough also revealed a new cell type and could offer insights into the regenerative capabilities of the fetal heart. The researchers have patented the process and plan to use personalized organoids to investigate other congenital heart defects.