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Researchers Grow Tiny Human Brain In Lab

Posted by Soulskill on from the also-grew-worms-to-put-in-can-they-could-open dept.

schwit1 writes: A team of researchers from Ohio State University claim to have grown a human brain in their lab that approximates the brain of a five-week-old fetus. They say the tiny brain is not conscious, but it could be used to test drugs and study diseases, but scientific peers urge caution. "The brain, which is about the size of a pencil eraser, is engineered from adult human skin cells and is the most complete human brain model yet developed, [the researchers say]. ... Anand and his colleagues claim to have reproduced 99% of the brain’s diverse cell types and genes. They say their brain also contains a spinal cord, signalling circuitry and even a retina." The team's data has not yet been peer reviewed.

6 of 244 comments (clear)

  1. Shocking by U2xhc2hkb3QgU3Vja3M · · Score: 5, Funny

    When a reporter asked the tiny brain how it felt, it replied "Kiiiiiillll meeeee".

    1. Re: Shocking by Lexical_Scope · · Score: 3, Funny

      You want to do *brain* research on ./ users? Have you really thought this through?

  2. Re:Cue the Kneejerk by Mr+D+from+63 · · Score: 4, Funny

    I wonder if they can stimulate a knee-jerk response in this mini-brain.

  3. Just don't put these in front of keyboards by damn_registrars · · Score: 3, Funny

    We have enough small-brained comments on slashdot already. Unfortunately some people likely wouldn't be able to tell the difference around here.

    --
    Damn_registrars has no butt-hole. Damn_registrars has no use for a butt-hole.
  4. I couldn't get the brain you wanted... by tekrat · · Score: 3, Funny

    I, uh, I dropped it.
    Who's brain did you get?
    Abby, Abby someone. Abby Normal I think.
    You mean to tell me that I put an Abnormal brain into a 74 inch tall, 54 inch wide.... GORILLLA!!?

    --
    If telephones are outlawed, then only outlaws will have telephones.
  5. Re:Cue the Kneejerk by Mr+D+from+63 · · Score: 3, Funny

    OK. Ya got me on that. But then how do you explain knee jerk reactions from spineless cowards?