Cochlear organoids enable screening for hair cell regenerating drugs

Written by Harriet Wall

Researchers from Nanjing University (PR China) have recently developed an organoid model for cochlear hair cell formation. This novel culture-based system can be used to identify regenerative therapies that promote hair growth – providing a new avenue of therapy for hearing loss. Their research was published in the journal Stem Cell Reports. Whilst lost hair cells in animals such as fish and birds can be replaced, mammals cannot regenerate these cells. As well as hair loss damaging our egos, this occurrence has a much more serious consequence on our ability to hear. Hair cells in the ear are critical for...

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