Expansionary Institute

China scientists grow dog bladder tissue on a mouse (Biogenesis),

China scientists grow dog bladder tissue on a mouse

BEIJING, Aug 21 (Reuters) - Chinese scientists have successfully regrown dog bladder tissue on the back of a mouse in what state media called another big breakthrough for the nation's bio-engineers.

Both mouse and dog bladder were doing well after the transplant performed by two researchers with the Beijing-based Military Medical Research Institute, the official Xinhua news agency said.

"Though carrying a 'dog bladder' as big as half a ping-pong ball, the naked mouse still runs around and looks very robust," the report said.

Meanwhile, the dog bladder "has expanded fast as the cells keep absorbing nutrition from the mouse."

China opposes human cloning but has aggressively promoted a biotechnology programme to clone tissues such as cartilage and bone for the purpose of conducting human tissue transplants.

In January, China established a large research and development centre in Shanghai for engineering human tissues.

Analysts say China's biotechnological successes -- which also include boosting crop yields -- could help offset food shortages in the region and enhance the reputation of a scientific research market with abundant young talent and a low cost base.

06:34 08-21-01

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Tue Aug 21