Tissue-engineering technique wins prize

A tissue-engineering technique that could lead to the mass production of artificially grown organs has won a top medical innovation award.

Scientists at University College London have developed a disposable mould for constructing human tissue from a patient's own cells. The cells are pre-mixed with a natural polymer and injected into the mould, where they multiply to form a three-dimensional organ.

Team leader Chris Mason accepted a £10,000 prize as overall winner at the Medical Futures Awards, sponsored by the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts.