Key Takeaways

Oregon researchers found that seaweed can be used to grow human heart tissue in labsThe seaweed scaffolds were eco-friendly, biocompatible and low-cost compared to synthetic materialsThe breakthrough could help reduce animal testing

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 22, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Scientists have found an unlikely new material for growing tissue: Seaweed.

The ocean plant, best known for wrapping sushi or floating along the shore, may soon help doctors repair hearts and reduce animal testing.

In a study published Oct. 21 in Biointerphases , researchers from Oregon State University in Corvallis found that seaweed can be used to create a cheap, vegan and eco-friendly tissue scaffold — a structure that helps cells grow in labs.

“Rather than using animal-derived or synthetic [ch

See Full Page