China develops lab-grown heart tissue as potential alternative to electronic pacemakers

Shanghai researchers built a lab-grown sinoatrial node organoid from human pluripotent stem cells.

The 3D model was linked to an artificial nerve network and produced stable heartbeat-like electrical activity.

It also responded to heart-rate drugs, suggesting it can model how the heart’s natural pacemaker works.

The work could improve arrhythmia research and support future cell-based alternatives to electronic pacemakers.