Chinese scientists succeed in world's first stem-cell-regenerated healthy lung tissue

Chinese researchers have regenerated human lung tissue in a patient using that patient's own stem cells, the first time that has been achieved worldwide, said Zuo Wei, lead researcher of the team from the School of Medicine of Tongji University in Shanghai.

After obtaining dozens of stem cells by brushing a patient's lungs, researchers let the cells multiply into the tens of millions in a lab, then transplanted them into the damaged part of the patient's lungs.

After three to six months, the stem cells formed new lung structures, repairing the damaged tissues, Zuo said.