Every beating stone is thought to be a heartIt takes ages to truly create a heart...
The renowned poet Bashir Badr grasped this notion so well, which led him to pen these verses on heart creation. Meanwhile, scientists have made a discovery that's not only fascinating but revolutionary in our understanding of how hearts form.
Researchers from University College London and Francis Crick Institute in the UK have captured the cell formation process within a mouse embryo's heart via a time-lapse video. This video is so enthralling and splendid that anyone who views it will be struck with wonder.
Light-Sheet Microscopy: A Unique Technique
To create this video, scientists employed an advanced technique named Light-Sheet Microscopy (LSM). This involves using a thin sheet of light to capture 3D images of living tissues. It allows observation of cellular activities without harming the cells. With LSM, researchers could meticulously observe the movement of heart cells within the mouse embryo.
The Dance of Cells
Researchers tagged various types of cells in the mouse embryo with fluorescent markers (glowing colors) and captured their photos every two minutes for 41 hours. The time-lapse video showcases how seemingly normal cells unite and arrange themselves to gradually form a living, beating heart. Watching this process is akin to witnessing magic.
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New Discovery: Cells Know Their Role Early On
This study unveiled numerous new insights into heart development. The most astounding discovery was that cells determine their path within the heart and their function a mere four to five hours after the embryo's first division.
According to UCL developmental biologist Kenzo Ivanovich, our findings reveal that the construction and movement of heart cells commence much earlier than previously thought. This seemingly chaotic process actually follows a concealed pattern that ensures the heart is constructed correctly.
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Hope for Treating Congenital Heart Diseases
This study offers more than just a beautiful video; it's a significant step forward in understanding heart development. Scientists believe this discovery could aid in treating congenital heart defects - common issues in newborns whose exact causes remain somewhat elusive. Such discoveries could give rise to new treatments, though additional research is necessary. This study is published in
