Scientists Create Lab-Made Skin That Looks and Feels Real
Scientists grow lab-made skin for the first time, offering new hope for patients with severe burns, genetic skin disorders, and other chronic conditions. The pioneering research, carried out by experts at the University of Queensland (UQ) in Australia, has resulted in the creation of fully functioning human skin complete with blood vessels, hair follicles, nerves, and immune cells.
How the Skin Was Grown
To achieve this milestone, the research team first took ordinary human skin cells and reprogrammed them into stem cells — cells that can transform into any cell type in the body. Using advanced stem cell technology, these cells were placed into special laboratory dishes where they gradually formed miniature skin structures, also known as “skin organoids.”
The scientists then went a step further. They used the same stem cells to engineer tiny blood vessels and incorporated them into the growing skin. As a result, the lab-made skin developed in a way remarkably similar to natural human skin, forming layers, pigmentation, hair follicles, and even its blood supply.
Why This Matters
Until now, researchers have faced limitations in studying skin diseases and testing potential therapies. Current models do not accurately reflect the complexity of human skin, which often makes it difficult to develop effective treatments.
Lead researcher Dr. Abbas Shafiee from UQ’s Frazer Institute explained:
This is the most life-like skin model ever developed. It opens the door for more precise disease research and better treatment testing.
This innovation could transform the way doctors manage conditions like psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and scleroderma, as well as improve outcomes for burn victims requiring skin grafts.
The project took six years to complete, showcasing the dedication of the UQ team. Their findings, recently published in Wiley Advanced Healthcare Materials, highlight how advances in stem cell science are revolutionizing regenerative medicine.
Six Years of Research
Co-author Professor Kiarash Khosrotehrani emphasized the real-world impact:
Skin disorders are often difficult to treat. Being able to create such a realistic skin model in the lab is a major breakthrough and brings hope to millions of patients worldwide.
Conclusion
As scientists grow human skin in a lab with full functionality, the future of skin disease treatment and burn recovery looks more promising than ever. Beyond improving grafts, this achievement may accelerate the discovery of new therapies for both genetic and inflammatory skin conditions.
With further research, this lab-made skin could eventually be used directly in patient care, paving the way for safer, faster, and more effective treatments.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 21 August 2025
- 13:00
