But morphing does have a real- life medical equivalent, and scientists are mapping ways to use it to repair damaged heart tissue.
Researchers think they can control the process, and steer the cells' development.
Funded by a government grant, Johns Hopkins researchers have partnered with a private- sector company to test the theory. In coming months, they'll inject these cells into animal bodies to see whether they can help damaged heart tissue. Hopkins cardiologist Dr. Paul Kessler. The idea is that these cells would be introduced into an area of heart scar. Hopefully, these cells could then differentiate into cardiac muscle or muscle that had cardiac-like properties, with the idea of potentially strengthening the heart.