In a major breakthrough for pregnancy research, scientists have 3D bioprinted “mini placentas”. The miniature organs, or “organoids”, closely resemble human placental tissue, providing an accurate model for studying the early placenta – something that has been sorely lacking until now. Placenta organoids were first described in 2018, grown from trophoblasts – a type of cell found only in the placenta. “We showed these organoids were very similar to human placental tissue, providing an accurate model of the early placenta. “As we refine these models, we move closer to a future where pregnancy complications can be predicted, prevented, and treated before they put lives at risk,” Richards added.