Stem cells became lung cells for mice

British researchers have successfully implanted lung cells grown from embryonic stem cells into the lungs of mice, in a move that may one day provide treatments for humans with severe breathing problems.

Until now, stem cells have been seen as a promising avenue for conditions such as diabetes and Parkinson's disease, but respiratory ailments have not been considered because of the highly complex nature of lung tissue.

Sile Lane of Imperial College London told the European Respiratory Society's annual congress that cells injected into the mice's tail veins migrated to the lungs within two days, with no sign of spread to other organs.