Thread: Scientists are moving closer to using stem cells from the patient themselves to treat
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Old 04-08-2008, 09:13 AM
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Default Scientists are moving closer to using stem cells from the patient themselves to treat
Stem cells made to mimic disease

Page last updated at 12:46 GMT, Monday, 7 April 2008 13:46 UK

Scientists have taken skin cells from patients with eight different diseases and turned them into stem cells.

The advance means scientists are moving closer to using stem cells from the patient themselves to treat disease.

This would mean they could circumvent the ethical and practical problems of using embryonic stem cells, which has sparked much opposition.

Researcher Dr Willy Lensch, of Harvard Medical School, said the technique had "incredible potential".

He said it could help scientists understand the earliest stages of human genetic disease.

In principle, they could be used to treat a wide range of disorders, from diabetes to Parkinson's.
Quote:
We're looking at the perfect human brick - ethical, flexible and not rejected by the patient because it comes from the patient themselves
Dr Chris Mason
UK National Stem Cell Network
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