‘Mini organs’ grown from stem cells taken in late pregnancy

Organoids enable scientists to study how organs function both when they are healthy and when impacted by disease

Undated handout image issued by UCL of Kidney amniotic fluid organoids resembling renal tubules, as "mini organs" have been grown for the first time using human stem cells taken during pregnancy, Picture: Giuseppe Cala/Paolo di Coppi/Mattia Gerli/PA Wire

“Mini organs” have been grown for the first time using human stem cells taken during pregnancy, potentially leading to advances in prenatal medicine.

The study means human development can be observed in late pregnancy for the first time, raising the possibility of monitoring and treating congenital conditions before birth.