Now a new liver can be grown in a person. But stop drinking anyway

People only have one liver, but a new treatment could help people with severe diseases of this organ.

grow a second, third or even fifth liver. In a world-first trial, one volunteer is soon to undergo a procedure that will see him grow a second liver. Discuss

If this proves successful, future volunteers will be tested at higher doses, potentially allowing them to develop up to six "mini-buds," reports MIT Technology Review.

The method lies in the fact that cells from the donorlivers are injected into the lymph nodes of patients with liver disease in the hope that they will give rise to new organs. Donor livers are not suitable for transplantation, but can still be a potentially life-saving treatment option for recipients. Researchers estimate that just one such liver can help treat more than 75 people.

"The use of these organs, which are inotherwise they are thrown away to help patients… is revolutionary", – stem cell biologist Valerie Guon-Evans, who was not involved in the study, told MIT Technology Review.