Regenerative medicine

For centuries, scientists have been captivated by the phenomenal feats of regeneration found in nature. Despite decades of research, attempts to replace or repair parts of the human body have met with only modest success. Fresh understanding of organ formation coupled with new technologies may help to unlock long-sought cures.

Stem-cell therapy promises to restore motor function after a stroke or spinal-cord injury, but neurologists are proceeding with caution.

Advances in technology have outpaced our understanding of organ development and injury response. It's time to reassess, says Stephen Badylak.

Machines that deposit cell-laden inks are constructing tissues and organs, one layer at a time.

Some animals can regrow body parts with ease. Biologists hope to figure out their secrets and apply them to humans.

Cell therapy could cure type 1 diabetes — if only the immune system didn't get in the way.

Adult stem cells have become a regulatory battleground as clinicians, scientists and ethicists debate whether the road to the clinic should be shorter.