News Health & Medicine

Beat Generation: Genetically modified stem cells repair heart

By David Shiga

- More than 2 years ago

In experiments on guinea pigs, scientists have used genetically modified human embryonic stem cells to make a biological pacemaker. The implanted tissue has kept the guinea pig hearts beating after their natural pacemaker cells were destroyed.

STEM CELL POWER. A cluster of genetically modified human pacemaker cells, about 200 micrometers across, glows green atop an array of tiny electrodes that detects its beats.