Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Man Tries to Order Priciest Starbucks Drink Ever Total cost: $23.60 »

Researchers Extract Stem Cells From Placentas

Effective harvesting procedure involves no risk to mother, child

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 24, 2009 8:56 AM CDT

(Newser) – Scientists have found an effective way to extract stem cells from placentas, where they’re abundant, after babies are born, the Guardian reports. Placentas contain up to five times as many of the key cells as cord blood, which has become a common source, and they may be more primitive, which makes them more versatile, they say. “Yes, the stem cells are there; yes, they are viable; and yes, we can get them out,” says the team leader at a hospital in Oakland, Calif.

Researchers froze placentas after birth, then applied drugs typically used to pull stem cells from bone marrow. The hospital has been using stem cells from the cord blood of siblings to treat children suffering from blood-related diseases, but they often lack enough stem cells to be effective. "The more stem cells, the bigger the chance of success,"
says the lead researcher.

Researchers have found an effective way to harvest stem cells from placentas.
Researchers have found an effective way to harvest stem cells from placentas.   (Shutterstock)
Children's National opens new NICU for fragile newborns. www.childrensnational.org.
Children's National opens new NICU for fragile newborns. www.childrensnational.org.   (PRNewsFoto/Children's National Medical Center)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
justme
Jun 24, 2009 7:47 AM CDT
Imagine that! This has been available for decades but the progress was slowed by the people pushing cell lines from fetus' grown to be destroyed.
Fondue
Jun 24, 2009 3:30 AM CDT
Such a great achievement. Now, let's get down to the business of finding real cures and shorten the organ transplant lists.

More Newser Stories

Oklahoma Bill Would Ban Fetuses in Food

Scientists Turn Stem Cells Into Working Sperm

Scientists: We Can Make Pigs Grow Human Organs

Court Overturns Stem Cell Ban

Paralyzed Patient Undergoes Stem Cell Experiment


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne