Researchers in Columbia have, for the first time, grown fully-functional human cartilage in a laboratory.
The tissue was grown using stem cells from human bone marrow, using a simulated technique the body naturally uses.
Lead researcher Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic says the findings may allow doctors to repair real cartilage defects or for tissue reconstruction in humans.
The research team now plans to test if the tissue retains its structure and function when implanted into humans.
Read more at Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science