Stem Cells Generated From Adult Cells

DrJay writes "Scientist report that introducing only four genes to adult cells is sufficient to convert them to something that looks and acts remarkably like an embryonic stem cell. Although some of the details need to be worked out, if this technique is generally applicable, it may allow the production of an essentially unlimited supply of stem cells. There is a subscription-only report, and Ars Technica's science journal describes the results in some detail for those without subscriptions."

Comments

Cells have rights too

[macadamia_harold]

What about the rights of the innocent human cells killed in this process? Have these scientists no moral fiber whatsoever?

Fantastic!

[Rik Sweeney]

I can finally grow myself a twin!

Oh wait, I already am one.

Quads it is then...

Something that turns you into an embryo

[krell]

Didn't "Star Trek" have an episode about a guy who had this condition?

Of course this only works on mice so far

[the_humeister]

So if you're a mouse, we have so many cures for you. We even have cures for most cancers. Wake me up when scientists figure out how to do this with human cells.

Storage issue

[Itninja]

But won't the bodies start to stack up fast? I mean, there are only so many hobos that one can kill for their stem cells. They could fit like 1000 embreyos in one Tupperware bowl. Now they will have to have an entire U-Haul truck rented to store all the hobo corpses.

Scientist! Awesome!

[radarsat1]

Wicked, I had no idea Scientist could do this kind of stuff. And he's a great musician.

Strange though that he doesn't mention this kind of research on his myspace page.