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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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Safer Stem Cells Bring Real-Life Treatments Closer

New possibility of regrown tissue without risk of rejection

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(Newser) – In a development that brings practical applications of manufactured stem cells closer than ever, scientists have created stem-like cells using human skin cells, Reuters reports. "After a few more flight tests—in order to assure everything is working properly—it should be ready for commercial use," a researcher said of the technique, which uses proteins rather than potentially dangerous viruses to create cells that act like embryonic stem cells.

The research raises hopes for treatments of a variety of disorders, including diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and spinal-cord injuries, reports Time. Because the cells can be grown from a patient's own tissue, the technique avoids the risk of rejection. “You just add some proteins to a few skin cells and voila!" said the researcher. "Patient-specific stem cells!”

Stem cell researcher Tadashi Sato holds a dish containing stem cell growth medium, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, in Omaha, Neb., Monday, March 9, 2009.
Stem cell researcher Tadashi Sato holds a dish containing stem cell growth medium, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, in Omaha, Neb., Monday, March 9, 2009.   (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)
Stem cell researcher Tadashi Sato, not seen, adds growth medium to a dish where stem cells are grown, in Omaha, Neb., Monday, March 9, 2009 at The University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Stem cell researcher Tadashi Sato, not seen, adds growth medium to a dish where stem cells are grown, in Omaha, Neb., Monday, March 9, 2009 at The University of Nebraska Medical Center.   (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)
In this 2006 file photo, a single cell is removed from a human embryo to be used in generating embryonic stem cells for scientific research.
In this 2006 file photo, a single cell is removed from a human embryo to be used in generating embryonic stem cells for scientific research.   (AP Photo/Advanced Cell Technology)
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This method eliminates the risks associated with genetic and chemical manipulation, and provides for the first time a potentially safe source of iPS cells for translation into the clinic. - Dr. Robert Lanza

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3 comments
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Jojo
May 29, 09 12:22 PM CDT
Too bad Bush lasted 8 years or this would have been done 7 years ago, and by now we would be curing horrible diseases. Reply
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Reader62442236
May 29, 09 12:57 PM CDT
Jojo: Another cretin who doesn't know the difference between embryonic and the stem cells that are really making a difference Reply
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kokuaguy
May 30, 09 2:13 AM CDT
Reader############: A venomous troll who doesn't have a clue about the extent to which research in all areas was hamstrung by the policies of the duplicitous, criminal Bush regime. Reply
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