Advance In Making Stem Cells From Skin

Posted by kdawson on Monday March 2, 2009 @02:53PM from the we-don't-need-no-steenkin'-viruses dept.

KillerBob writes with an advance on the news from a year back that stem cells can be produced from human skin — discussed here. Now Canadian researchers have found a safe way to generate stem cells without using viruses to modify the genome, a process that can have its own dangers. "The ethical debate over embryonic stem cell use may soon be moot, thanks to a Canadian team of researchers who, together with a team out of Scotland, has found a safe way to grow stem cells from a patient's own skin. The revolutionary finding, described in a paper published yesterday by the international science journal Nature, means doctors may be one step closer to treating a multitude of diseases, including Alzheimer's, diabetes and Parkinson's."

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What is the real goal of this? by jirf88 · 2009-03-02 16:24 · Score: 0, Troll

Another amazing medical breakthrough just around the corner... One can't help but become a little sceptical about the motives behind those who always seem to promise much yet not deliver? More often than not it feels like a stab at some good PR for a company who has had bad press recently... The work these guys do is truly amazing but I do feel that where the money is coming from is usually a less than desirable source who would only be interested in charging an arm and a leg for a new heart or a brain... Call me an antitrust conspiracy theorist.....