Sherrie
21-11-2007, 08:04 AM
Stem cell breakthrough uses human skin not embryos
CHICAGO (AFP) - In a major breakthrough, scientists announced Tuesday they have generated potent stem cells from human skin which could help in the fight against major diseases and sidestep the battle over using embryonic cells.
The discovery opens the door for promising research into using the blank-slate stem cells to do things like replace diseased or damaged tissues and organs without being forced to destroy embryos in the process, which has led to legal restrictions on research in the United States.
The researchers in Japan and the United States have also eliminated a major treatment hurdle: skin-derived stem cells could come with a specific patient's genetic code, eliminating the risk that the body would reject transplanted tissues or organs.
The new method is expected to rapidly advance research in the treatment of cancer, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, diabetes, arthritis, spinal cord injuries, strokes, burns and heart disease because scientists will have much greater access to stem cells.
More here (http://au.news.yahoo.com/071120/19/150uj.html)
CHICAGO (AFP) - In a major breakthrough, scientists announced Tuesday they have generated potent stem cells from human skin which could help in the fight against major diseases and sidestep the battle over using embryonic cells.
The discovery opens the door for promising research into using the blank-slate stem cells to do things like replace diseased or damaged tissues and organs without being forced to destroy embryos in the process, which has led to legal restrictions on research in the United States.
The researchers in Japan and the United States have also eliminated a major treatment hurdle: skin-derived stem cells could come with a specific patient's genetic code, eliminating the risk that the body would reject transplanted tissues or organs.
The new method is expected to rapidly advance research in the treatment of cancer, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, diabetes, arthritis, spinal cord injuries, strokes, burns and heart disease because scientists will have much greater access to stem cells.
More here (http://au.news.yahoo.com/071120/19/150uj.html)