Scientists have successfully crafted miniature brains in the lab from human foetal brain tissue, marking a groundbreaking feat.

Check out the latest scoop: Scientists have successfully crafted miniature brains in the lab from human foetal brain tissue, marking a groundbreaking feat. These tiny organoids, no larger than a grain of rice, mirror the functionality of full-scale brains, presenting thrilling prospects for pioneering treatments, according to Dutch researchers. The innovation promises a deeper understanding of brain development, potentially unlocking solutions for diseases and conditions associated with brain growth, such as lethal brain tumours.

Professor Hans Clevers, from the Hubrecht Institute, expressed the significance of this milestone: “Our study is a pivotal contribution to the realms of organoid and brain research. Finally overcoming the challenge of deriving brain organoids from human tissue is truly exhilarating.”

Each year, approximately 16,000 individuals in the UK receive a brain tumour diagnosis, with about 2,400 succumbing to the disease. While current treatments like surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy exist, researchers continuously seek novel advancements that could lead to groundbreaking medications.

The journey began in 2011 with the development of human gut organoids. Professor Clevers reflected on the technological leap: “Since then, witnessing the remarkable progress of this technology has been phenomenal. Organoids now span nearly every human tissue, both healthy and diseased, including an expanding array of childhood tumours.”

The breakthrough, detailed in Cell, involves the pioneering creation of brain organoids from human tissue—a global first. Researchers utilised small segments of foetal brain tissue, cultivated within the womb, as the building blocks for these miniature organs. This method differed from prior organoid development, which used individual cells.

Remarkably, the foetal brain tissue segments demonstrated the ability to autonomously form into organoids, retaining distinct characteristics from their original brain regions.

Looking ahead, the team aims to delve deeper into studying these organoids in forthcoming research endeavours.

Dr. Delilah Hendriks of the Princess Maxima Centre shared her enthusiasm: “These organoids have the potential to unveil unprecedented insights into the distinct structures of the brain. We aim to decode the intricacies of the human brain by learning from these models.”

She emphasised the value of continuous growth and utilisation of brain organoids from foetal tissue: “The ability to sustainably grow and utilise these brain organoids from foetal tissue is invaluable. We’re eager to explore these novel tissue organoids for fresh discoveries about the human brain.”