Now in our 13th year of bringing you beautiful imagery from biomedical science every day

Search the archive of over 4000 images

Expert Lungs
02 May 2015

Expert Lungs

Studies of cell regeneration usually focus on stem cells, as they have the potential to develop into a wide range of cell types. But here scientists have found the regeneration of cells that are already specialised, occurring naturally in the cells lining the alveoli – the extremely thin tissue that makes up the lungs. Type I alveolar cells allow the oxygen that we breathe in to be exchanged for carbon dioxide produced in our bodies; type II cells (stained red) produce a surfactant that helps keep the airways open. In response to damaged or missing tissue, these lung cells are able to regenerate – type I cells (green) can become new type II cells (yellow) despite their distinct functions. This plasticity of type I cells has never previously been acknowledged. Further insights into this natural back-up plan may be a crucial step in treating pulmonary diseases.

Written by Katie Panteli

Search The Archive

Submit An Image

Follow on Tumblr

Follow on Instagram

What is BPoD?

BPoD stands for Biomedical Picture of the Day. Managed by the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences until Jul 2023, it is now run independently by a dedicated team of scientists and writers. The website aims to engage everyone, young and old, in the wonders of biology, and its influence on medicine. The ever-growing archive of more than 4000 research images documents over a decade of progress. Explore the collection and see what you discover. Images are kindly provided for inclusion on this website through the generosity of scientists across the globe.

Read More

BPoD is also available in Catalan at www.bpod.cat with translations by the University of Valencia.