Researchers create carbon nanotubes that mimic natural tissue and can regenerate heart cells in a dish.

A conductive patch of carbon nanotubes can regenerate heart tissue growing in a dish, according to preliminary research from Brown University. The patch, made of tiny chains of carbon atoms that fold in on themselves, forming a tube, conducts electricity and mimics the rough surface of natural tissue. The more nanotubes the Brown researchers added to the patch, the more cells around it were able to regenerate.

Have a heart: Brown University researchers have created a tiny patch made out of carbon nanotubes that they hope will someday help regenerate heart cells.

Credit: Thomas Webster at Brown University

via A Nanotube Patch to Help Heal the Heart  – Technology Review.