Scientists successfully graft human brain cells into rats in a bid to better grasp conditions such as epilepsy

SCIENTISTS have successfully grafted human brain cells into rats — a move that could help to better understand conditions such as epilepsy. 

Lab-grown nerves were implanted in rats two or three days old. 

Unlike past attempts in adult rats, the cells were absorbed quickly and made up a third of the brain after six months, becoming part of rats’ decision-making and physical reactions. 

The mutant organs will allow brains to be studied in more detail than using cells in a dish.

Lead author Prof Sergiu Paca of Stanford University, US, said: “These findings may improve our ability to produce realistic models of human diseases.” 

Austrian expert Dr Jürgen Knoblich added: “The human brain is home to some of the most horrific diseases and we don’t understand it very well.

“These findings could have an impact on research into neurological diseases such as epilepsy, or autism.”

The trial did not allow the creatures to think like people and experts warn scientists must be careful not to give lab rats human thoughts or feelings.