Spain has announced plans to become a leading force in the creation of organs for transplant, with research into a new technique using stem cells.
However the technique is still in its infancy, and no results are expected for at least ten years, according to the cardiologist, Francisco Fernández Avilés, who earlier this week presented the first laboratory to be dedicated to this work, at the Gregorio Marañón Hospital in Madrid. He described the step as a milestone in regenerative medicine. Scientists in Minnesota have already seen some success in the technique, using mice.
The President of the Madrid region, Esperanza Aguirre, was on hand at the presentation, together with the Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation. They heard that despite all the advances, progress depended on the continued generosity or organ donors.
