Archive · 21 Jan 2026
Human Heart Can Regenerate After Attack
Scientists used to think that once heart cells die during a heart attack, they can't come back.
But a new study from Australia shows that the human heart can actually make some new muscle cells after a heart attack.
This is exciting because it means the heart might be able to heal itself a little bit.
However, the new cells aren't enough to fix all the damage, so scientists hope to find ways to help the heart make even more new cells in the future.
This could lead to better treatments for people who have had heart attacks.
Human heart muscle cells can regenerate after a heart attack, challenging previous beliefs.
Scar tissue forms after a heart attack, reducing the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently.
Earlier research showed animals like mice can regenerate heart tissue, but this is the first time it's been demonstrated in humans.
The study was published in the journal Circulation Research and led by Robert Hume at the University of Sydney.
Scientists hope to develop therapies to amplify the heart's natural ability to produce new cells and regenerate after an attack.
- Who
- Researchers at the University of Sydney, led by Robert Hume
- What
- Discovery of heart muscle cell regeneration in humans after a heart attack
- When
- Study published in Circulation Research
- Where
- Australia
- Why
- To understand the heart's ability to repair itself after damage and explore potential treatments
- Study Location
- Australia
- Study Journal
- Circulation Research
- Lead Researcher
- Robert Hume
- Heart Cells Lost in Attack
- One-third
- Annual Heart Transplants in Australia
- 115
- Heart Failure Patients in Australia
- 144,000