Stem-Cell-Like-Cells Made Using Only Blood?

Adair writes "Newscientist.com is reporting that a UK biotech firm, TriStem has developed a technique to 'turn ordinary blood into cells capable of regenerating damaged or diseased tissues.' Their method transforms anyone's white blood cells into 'stem-cell-like-cells' which can then be coaxed into one of a myriad of healthy cells such as heart, nerve, or brain. Having made these claims for years, TriStem has recently provided proof to their claims, which some scientists who witnessed called 'stunning."' They have some more proving to do, but if the initial results pan out, the applications could be fantastic -- and without the stigma of traditional stem-cell research."

Comments

Wow

[tsa]

If this is true these guys can make insane amounts of money. They patented their technique in 1996 in the UK and in 2000 in the US so we are left with a monopoly. Hopefully they won't exploit it too much.

Re:Used for cobra bite necrosis?

[Jesrad]

randomly generating cells isn't going to recreate the same organ after all

IANACellBiologist, but from my knowledge on the subject, replacing randomly the cells of a dying organ DOES replace it efficiently. It'd take a continuous, regular treatment over a few years but it would most probably work. From the article, TriStem managed to cure diabetic and immunodeficient mice with this method, ergo they managed to replace pancreas and bone marrow.

Re:New neurons?

[Jesrad]

From the article, they claim the cells did change into neural cells (among other types of cells). This could mean the end of Alzheimer syndromes and sclerosis, and a cure for paralysed people.