An alternative to animal experiments

Scientists at the Technical University of Munich derived human organoids from duodenal tissue sections. Within a few days, organoids grow from small circular structures into bigger, more complex structures resembling many aspects of intestinal physiology. Image: E. Rath / TUM - Scientists at the Technical University of Munich derived human organoids from duodenal tissue sections. Within a few days, organoids grow from small circular structures into bigger, more complex structures resembling many aspects of intestinal physiology. New applications for organoids from human intestinal tissue - Researchers of the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have cultured so-called intestinal organoids from human intestinal tissue, which is a common byproduct when performing bowel surgery. These small "miniature intestines" can be used for molecular biological examinations and allow for a direct application of research results to humans, thereby making animal experiments redundant. The human intestine is vital for both digestion and absorbing nutrients as well as drugs.