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Scientists Use Virus To Reprogram Adult Cells In Mice

Posted by timothy on from the now-the-mice-hate-cocaine dept.

n2hightech writes "Harvard University scientists figured out how to activate a trio of dormant genes that commanded non-insulin producing pancreas cells to switch to the Beta type insulin producing cells. The method uses an engineered virus to infect the cells and deliver special proteins that activate the dormant genes. This technology has the potential to make all stem cell based methods obsolete because it does not pose the risk of rejection and cancer associated with stem cells. A simple injection into the area where cells need to be reprogrammed is all that is required." Gospodin adds a link to coverage at the Washington Post.

4 of 36 comments (clear)

  1. Think of the pr0n implications! by syousef · · Score: 3, Funny

    How could you not highlight the most important implication! It may now be possible to inject different body parts and grow genitals on all sorts of different parts of the body! Double penetration!? Try Quadruple! See that man - he's a dickhead. No really, we injected his head and there is now a penis growing out of his scalp! I propose all politicians be injected in the scalp.

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    1. Re:Think of the pr0n implications! by Hatta · · Score: 1, Funny

      See that man - he's a dickhead. No really, we injected his head and there is now a penis growing out of his scalp! I propose all politicians be injected in the scalp.

      As opposed to just Republicans as it is now.

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    2. Re:Think of the pr0n implications! by liquiddark · · Score: 2, Funny

      Also, one could create a monkey with six asses.

  2. Re:Hope it doesn't cause cancer by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    I hope it doesn't cause cancer. Pancreas cancers are the worst killers, because they are very hard to operate.

    What doesn't cause cancer these days?