Surgical resident Dr. Oscar Abilez and colleagues at the Stanford University School of Medicine started with embryonic stem cells derived from mice. They differentiated the stem cells into myocytes — one of the building blocks of blood vessels — after placing them in a life-like growth environment the research team had created.

The scientists say they hope to be able to eventually grow whole blood vessels that can be transplanted into mice.

The ultimate goal of the research is to bring together two of today’s most promising areas of medical investigation: stem-cell research and tissue engineering, which is the growing of organs and tissues outside the body for replacement.

For the study, Abilez received first place in the seventh annual International Society of Endovascular Fellows’ research award in laboratory sciences.

The research appears in this month’s issue of the Journal of Endovascular Therapy.