Cloned Stem Cells Best for Parkinson's

Researchers turn adult, not embryonic, skin cells into stem cells

(NEWSER) - Scientists in China have created mice using stem cells made from modified skin cells—hinting at an alternative to embryonic stem cells, the Washington Post reports. Separate teams used viruses to manipulate genes that caused mice skin cells to regress back into induced pluripotent stem cells—which, within a placenta sheathing and in the wombs of female mice, developed into baby animals. More»

Switches to less controversial Japanese technique

(NEWSER) - The scientist who created the cloned sheep Dolly is now abandoning the technique he pioneered in favor of a rival method of cell modification developed in Japan. The Japanese approach, which genetically manipulates adult human cells, has proven less controversial than embryonic stem cell research. But scientist Ian Wilmut insists he was motivated to change his method because the Japanese technique is more effective. More»

Stanford breakthrough in mice skips stem cell stage

(USER SUBMITTED) - In what's being heralded as "a huge leap forward," Stanford researchers have successfully turned mouse skin cells into fully functioning brain cells. The process, which took less than a week, upends thinking on how cells develop specialized roles, and could help minimize the controversial role of embryonic stem cells in treatments for diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. More»

(NEWSER) - Potential good news for Parkinson's patients: An experimental treatment on mice that involves implanting electrodes on the spinal cord had great success, Reuters reports. Mice that received the so-called stimulator were able to move more easily. Human trials are expected to start next year, and they could lead the way to a safer, cheaper, and more effective way to treat the debilitating symptoms of the disease. More»

Study finds cloned embryos share genetic traits with natural cells

(NEWSER) - Human cloning, for medicine or even reproduction, may be more realistic than ever, Wired reports. Researchers found genetic characteristics similar to normal human embryos in cloned human embryos. The findings are a first step toward therapeutic cloning, in which embryonic stem cells that can replace failing tissues are grown from a patient’s own DNA. Theoretically, the technique could produce a full human clone. More»