Researchers at UCLA have successfully created miniature lungs from stem cells, complete with functioning blood vessel networks. This breakthrough, published in the journal *Cell*, marks the first time scientists have developed lung organoids with integrated vascular systems that closely resemble human lung development.
The new method allows lung tissue and blood vessels to grow together from the start, leading to mini-organs with greater cell diversity and improved structure. These models offer unprecedented tools for studying diseases, testing drugs, and developing personalized treatments.
The researchers plan to introduce mechanical stretching and air exposure to create more mature human lungs. They also aim to scale up production for drug development and testing, reducing reliance on animal models and paving the way for more effective treatments.