Expo 2025 in Japan’s Osaka unveils human heart grown from iPS cells

OSAKA, JAPAN - JUNE 4, 2025: A miniature beating heart, grown from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS), was unveiled to the public on Wednesday (June 4) at the 2025 World Expo held in Osaka, Japan. The artificial human heart, suspended under glass and immersed in a translucent red solution, was unveiled to the public as a symbol of “life” by Professor Emeritus Yoshiki Sawa of Osaka University. The groundbreaking creation, developed in partnership with regenerative medicine start-up Cuorips Inc., is the first of its kind and aims to inspire and advance the field. It was made possible by iPS cells—discovered in 2006 by Nobel laureate Shinya Yamanaka—which allow scientists to reprogram adult cells into any type of human tissue, opening new possibilities for personalized treatments and future organ development. Expo 2025 with the theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives" takes place for six months from April 13, October 13, 2025. This is the second time that Osaka has hosted a World Expo, having previously hosted Expo 1970. (Footage by David Mareuil /Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)