Organoids are three-dimensional cell assemblies that resemble certain organs in terms of their function, shape and typically contained cell types and are produced from stem cells.
An application of genetic engineering that has acquired a position of prime importance in medical practice. This trend will continue and gain momentum in the foreseeable future.
New methods enable the examination of single cells and their derivatives in large numbers. This opens up new possibilities for research and medical applications.
At the present time, stem cell research is mainly to be classified as basic research. Currently, therapies are only possible with adult stem cells, they are undergoing testing in clinical trials.
The human genome project has led to the identification of more than 2000 disease-relevant genes. In principle, this means that the targeted use of gene therapies is possible.
Synthetic biology is a newly emerging research field at the intersection between molecular biology, microbiology, genetic engineering, organic chemistry, computer science and the engineering sciences.
The genome of many viruses, bacteria, plants, animals and human beings has been sequenced in the course of the last two decades. We now know which genes these organisms possess.
New methods for the targeted modification of genomes are classed together under the term genome surgery (also known as genome editing). They are currently sparking a revolution in research.