Stem Cells Found in Human Heart

Scientists in Tokyo announced Thursday that they had used stem cells collected from the hearts of 50 (human) patients to treat heart attacks in mice. Further trials in pigs and dogs are pending, with plans for tests in humans after the technique is proven safe.

The culture of these cells in the lab and their use in animal trials should lead to practical information about the stimulation and recruitment of each patient's own stem cells in situ. Again, the ideal would be to be able to induce the patient's heart to repair itself without surgery or transplants.