Brain tissue 'doughnuts' created in the lab for the first time could help in treatment of head injuries and dementia

Brain tissue created in laboratory for first time by researchers in America Tissue takes form of 'doughnut' made from partitioned nerve cells and fibres The work could accelerate research in to head injuries and dementia It may also provide alternative to distressing tests conducted on animals

By Julian Robinson

Published: 21:03 EST, 11 August 2014 | Updated: 02:39 EST, 12 August 2014

Brain tissue has been made in a laboratory for the first time amid hopes the work could aid research into dementia and head injuries (file picture)

Brain tissue has been created in a laboratory for the first time amid hopes the work could aid research into dementia and head injuries.

So-called brain 'doughnuts' made from partitioned nerve cells and fibres have been grown by scientists in the US.

In future, they could be used to study damage caused by injury and disease, improve understanding of brain function, or aid the development of new treatments.

They could also provide an alternative to distressing tests conducted on animals.

Each doughnut 'ring' consists of neuron cell bodies, while bundles of connecting axon fibres fill the centre.

The structures, measuring up to 1.2 centimetres across, mimic the kind of compartmentalisation found in a real brain.

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Brain tissue 'doughnuts' created in the lab for the first time could help in treatment of head injuries and dementia