U.S. scientists have created a technique that induces cells to form parallel tube

MIT works toward engineered blood vessels

U.S. scientists have created a technique that induces cells to form parallel tube-like structures that might serve as tiny engineered blood vessels.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology researchers said they found a way to control cell development by growing them on a surface with nanoscale patterning.

The scientists said engineered blood vessels might one day be transplanted into tissues such as the kidneys, liver, heart or any other organs that require large amounts of vascular tissue, which moves nutrients, gases and waste to and from cells.

"We are very excited about this work," said Professor Robert Langer, an author of the study. "It provides a new way to create nano-based systems with what we hope will provide a novel way to someday engineer tissues in the human body."

A paper on the work appeared in the online issue of the journal Advanced Materials.

U.S. medical researchers say the cloning of human embryos is still their best hope for developing effective treatments for diseases.

Researchers pursue stem cell technologies

Those opposed to using embryonic stem cells, including President George Bush and some religious leaders, say a new technique for genetically "reprogramming" ordinary adult skin tissue into stem cells could eliminate the need for using human embryos.

At Harvard University, where about 750 lead medical scientists work in 119 laboratories, researchers worry the new technology may never offer help for humans, The Boston Globe reported Monday.

So-called induced pluripotent stem cells, or IPS, made by the skin-cell process may never be safe for humans, some researchers say, the newspaper reported.

"For doing basic research on human cells, IPS as a method has won -- it's huge," said Dr. George Daley, a stem cell researcher at Children's Hospital Boston. "But for the ultimate goal of getting cells into a patient, it's a lot less clear. These cells may never be useful for direct therapy."