Stem cells proved effective in regrowing heart muscle in rats

By Carol M. Ostrom

Human embryonic stem cells have been used to regrow the heart muscles of rats that had survived lab-induced heart attacks, scientists from the University of Washington and a private biotechnology company reported today.

Because the rebuilt heart muscle halted the progression of heart failure, the findings offer encouragement that treatments based on embryonic stem cells someday might be used to help people who suffer heart attacks, a leading cause of death in the U.S, said Chuck Murry, a UW researcher and an author of the study.

Read the full story at The Seattle Times.