A “pumping” patch containing millions of living, beating stem cells could help repair the damage caused by a heart attack, according to researchers.

Sewn on to the heart, the 3cm (1in) by 2cm patch, grown in a lab from a sample of the patient’s own cells, then turns itself into healthy working muscle.

It also releases chemicals that repair and regenerate existing heart cells.

That’s amazing. What a science-fiction technique.

Trials in human patients are supposed to start in a year or two. Offhand I’d say that if I were having a heart problem, I’d volunteer right this minute.