We’ve been debating the use of embryonic stem cells for more than a decade now. Research with stem cells has proven extremely promising in lab trials treating conditions once thought incurable. The only rub (mostly from a funding standpoint) has been the controversial use of human embryos to harness new stem cells. However, scientists have begun working with “induced Pluripotent stem (iPS)” cells which are culled from adult cells. Early trials with iPS cells have shown the ability to produce similar recuperative effects.
One example is from scientists at Japan’s Keio University. The research team recently announced that they have successfully returned full motor functions to paralyzed marmosets within six weeks of beginning treatments with iPS cells made from modified human skin cells.
The ability to treat paralyzed animals isn’t anything that novel. Scientists restored full movement to paralyzed rats in 2005 and trials have even already begun treating human patients using embryonic stem cell lines. However, this new research represents a huge step forward for this non-controversial method and could be instrumental in opening public acceptance (and public dollars) into some very promising research.
via SingularityHub
Post a Comment