Scientists Use Virus To Reprogram Adult Cells In Mice

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.

Comments

Re:Think of the pr0n implications!

[Anonymous Coward]

At least with the two-party system you'll always have enemies at home if that terrorism thing doesn't work out.

Re:Hope it doesn't cause cancer

[YttriumOxide]

What doesn't cause cancer these days?

Dying young.