Scientists are devising human-animal hybrids for harvesting human organs, but lab-derived mini-organs are a less ethically fraught solution to meeting the need for transplantation.

The three-dimensional cell cultures are still in the development phase, but researchers are excited about their use to predict patients’ responses to various treatment options.

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The move reflects scientists using more cell lines and organoids in genetic research, although some experts disagree with the decision to scale back the use of animal models.

Researchers hope that “lympho-organoids” could eventually treat lymphedema in humans, but the technique is currently a proof-of-concept.

See a mouse organoid imaged using two-photon microscopy.

Organoids grown from a mouse’s colon will be used to screen drugs for colorectal cancer.

The lab-made organoids are fully functional, the team reports, and could aid the study of vascular-related diseases such as diabetes.

In kidney organoids, brain and muscle cells also develop.