How Scientists Built a Miniature Artery in a Lab

Scientists have figured out how to make tiny arteries in the lab that work like the real thing. They did this by copying how arteries stretch and move in the body. This is a big deal because it helps them study arteries and test new medicines. The team used two types of human cells: one from vein linings and the other from smooth muscle. They put these cells in a special gel that acts like a real artery. Then, they stretched the gel in both directions, just like how arteries stretch when blood pumps through them.This stretching made the cells in the gel act more like they do in a real artery. The cells lined up nicely, and the gel became stronger and more like a real artery. The scientists also found that the gel could react to certain chemicals, just like a real artery would. This new method is better than old ways of making fake arteries. It's more like the real thing, so it's better for testing medicines and studying diseases. The scientists think this could help make better medicines and maybe even help fix damaged arteries in the future. But, it's not perfect yet. The scientists still need to make it even more like a real artery. They also need to test it more to make sure it works the same way in the body. But, it's a good start.