Regeneration of a living organ for first time

A team of scientists at the University of Edinburgh has succeeded in regenerating a living organ for the first time. The team rebuilt the thymus - an organ in the body located next to the heart that produces important immune cells, Medical Xpress reported.

The team reactivated a natural mechanism that shuts down with age to rejuvenate the thymus in very old mice. After treatment, the regenerated organ had a similar structure to that found in a young mouse.

The function of the thymus was also restored and the mice began making more white blood cells called T cells, which are important for fighting off infection. 

The study was led by researchers from the Medical Research Council Centre for Regenerative Medicine at the University of Edinburgh.

The thymus deteriorates with age, which is why older people are often more susceptible to infections such as flu.

The discovery could also offer hope to patients with DiGeorge syndrome, a genetic condition that causes the thymus to not develop properly.

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