Scientists have succeeded in transplanting human brain cells into rats for the first time

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

Lab-grown nerves were implanted into two- or three-day-old rats.

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Unlike previous attempts in adult rats, the cells were quickly taken up and formed a third of the brain after six months, becoming part of rats' decision-making and physical responses.

Thanks to the mutated organs, brains can be studied in more detail than using cells in a dish.

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

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

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

During the process, the creatures couldn't think like humans, and experts warn that scientists must be careful not to give lab rats human thoughts or feelings.