Medical science has yet to overcome death, but it looks like it will soon be able to delay damage to dying and severely damaged organs. Yale University researchers have successfully regenerated cells in the organs of pigs that had been dead for an hour in the lab. The dead animals’ hearts began to beat and their bodies did not solidify as they normally would.
The team mixed the animals’ blood and an artificial hemoglobin with OrganEx, a solution containing an anti-inflammatory drug, nerve blockers (to prevent regaining consciousness), nutrients, and drugs that fight cell death. This work is the continuation of a one-year study in which scientists revived the brain cells of dead pigs using a pioneering solution, BrainEx. Following this finding, the group wondered if it could rejuvenate an entire body.
This study is not yet ready to be tested on humans. Future studies will show whether the organs are working or not. The researchers also need to measure the effects of OrganEx without nerve blockers and eventually test their work on humans. It is not exactly known whether pigs can regain their brain functions.
In humans, this practice causes ethical concerns. Synthetic blood is not yet used in emergency services, and it seems that it will take a long time to try this method.
But when solutions like OrganEx are suitable for humans, the consequences can be huge. They may prolong the viability of organ transplants, as it may be possible to harvest healthy organs long after death. More organs can be found and more lives saved. This technology can also limit damage to organs after severe heart attacks and strokes. Ideally, this gives people a fighting chance to survive potentially deadly conditions.
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