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Bioengineering better blood vessels

Durable conduits made by living cells might boost options for dialysis, heart bypass patients

By Nathan Seppa

- More than 2 years ago

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IN WITH THE NEW Built by human cells, bioengineered blood vessels such as this one have passed a test in baboons and may have a future in kidney dialysis patients. Courtesy of Science/AAAS

Using human cells as tiny factories, researchers can grow new blood vessels that might someday provide a valuable option for patients undergoing surgery for kidney dialysis or a heart bypass.