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Skin Stem Cells Used to Mend Spines of Rats

Posted by samzenpus on from the rats-get-the-best-health-care dept.

The Toronto Star reports researchers have used adult skin stem cells to heal spinal cord injuries in rats. "Injured rats injected with skin-derived stem cells regained mobility and had better walking co-ordination, according to the study published yesterday in the Journal of Neuroscience. The skin-derived stem cells, injected directly into the injured rats' spinal cords, were able to survive in their new location and set off a flurry of activity, helping to heal the cavity in the cord."

14 of 128 comments (clear)

  1. very nice by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    can we enlarge my penis now with this technique?

    1. Re:very nice by DragonTHC · · Score: 4, Funny

      no, but your penis will be able to walk again.

      --
      They're using their grammar skills there.
    2. Re:very nice by Wonko+the+Sane · · Score: 4, Funny

      can we enlarge my penis now with this technique?
      The first time this happens, I predict federal funding of stem cell research to be approved by congress within 24 hours.
    3. Re:very nice by Clandestine_Blaze · · Score: 2, Funny

      can we enlarge my penis now with this technique?
      The first time this happens, I predict federal funding of stem cell research to be approved by congress within 24 hours. Naw, it'll face stiff resistance from the White House.
      --
      Best "String" Ever!
  2. I say. by Hsensei · · Score: 4, Funny

    It has never been a better time to be a rat. no cancer or diabetes and now no paralasys.

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    ~
  3. Whew by HangingChad · · Score: 1, Funny

    If my rat ever breaks his back I'll know just what to do.

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    That's our life, the big wheel of shit. - The Fat Man, Blue Tango Salvage
  4. Lab Rats by Perl-Pusher · · Score: 2, Funny

    If humans were rats we would have cured all major illnesses by now. It seems everyday I read something that we have been able to cure or cause in rats. Unfortunately progress on humans has been much slower.

  5. Canadians? by Maximum+Prophet · · Score: 1, Funny

    The finding lends promise to the idea that stem cells could one day be used to heal spinal cord injuries in humans, helping thousands of Canadians to walk again.
    Is there something about Canadians that makes them more like rats than the rest of us? (or more likely to walk after this treatment?)
    --
    All ideas^H^H^H^H^Hprocesses in this post are Patent Pending. (as well as the process of patenting all postings)
  6. Rats? by Das+Auge · · Score: 2, Funny

    Personally, I think we should just let the politicians die. But that's just me...

  7. Cerebrospinal applications by athloi · · Score: 4, Funny

    Can they make idiots re-grow brains?

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    technical writing / development
    1. Re:Cerebrospinal applications by MyLongNickName · · Score: 2, Funny

      Can they make idiots re-grow brains?

      When you get back from treatment, let us know.

      --
      See my journal for slashdot ID's by year. Mine created in 2005. http://slashdot.org/journal/289875/slashdot-ids-by-year
  8. Germany, Austria, Ireland by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    In Germany, Austria, and Ireland, it's illegal to destroy embryos to create stem cell lines.

    In Soviet Russia, on the other hand...

  9. Finally. by proverbialcow · · Score: 3, Funny

    At long last, Christopher Reeve will be able to walk again.

    What's that you say? Ohhhh...

    --
    The only surefire protection against Microsoft infections is abstinence. - The Onion
  10. No by furbearntrout · · Score: 2, Funny

    In this porno, YOU are the schoolgirl.

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    Crap. What did the new CSS do with the "Post anonymously" option??