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Stem Cell "Master Gene" Found

Posted by michael on from the key-to-the-universe dept.

nexex writes "From the Washington Post, 'Scientists yesterday said they have discovered a long-sought "master gene" in embryonic stem cells that is largely responsible for giving those cells their unique regenerative and therapeutic potential.' The report summarizes an article in the newest issue of the scientific journal, Cell."

3 of 230 comments (clear)

  1. This is also on Newscientist.com by azav · · Score: 5, Informative

    And was posted on May 30 Link follows: Here

    --
    - Zav - Imagine a Beowulf cluster of insensitive clods...
  2. Re:can you turn Master gene on/off? by Baumi · · Score: 5, Informative

    Stem cells don't automatically grow into babies - if that were the case, this'd be the Easy Route to human cloning.

    An in-depth look into what stem cells are, can be found here.

  3. Re:Does this mean no more embrionic research? by nfk · · Score: 5, Informative

    They answer that in the article:

    "THE DISCOVERY of the gene brings scientists closer to a holy grail of biology: the ability to turn ordinary cells into those that possess all the biomedical potency of human embryonic stem cells, eliminating the need to destroy embryos to get them.

    Researchers cautioned that the new work (...) will not bring a quick end to the political controversy over human embryo research."

    They even say that it might intensify research on embryos, for now.