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Neurons Created Directly From Skin Cells

Posted by timothy on from the largest-organ-of-the-body dept.

alx5000 writes "The Times is running a story about a neurologic breakthrough that could revolutionise treatments for conditions such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's: Neurons have been created directly from skin cells for the first time. Quoting neurobiologist Professor Jack Price: 'This suggests that there are no great rules — you can reprogramme anything into anything else.' The article also points out that this method could work around the ethical issues surrounding embryonic stem-cell research."

2 of 231 comments (clear)

  1. Cheers! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Neurons have been created directly from skin cells for the first time.

    This research counters all the arguments that people shouldn't do drugs because they kill brain cells. Now that we know how to create new brain cells, there is no excuse for not being stoned. And bike riders can now throw away there helmets. Science brings freedom back to democracy.

  2. So... how long... by mafian911 · · Score: 5, Funny

    ...until this technology can be used to regrow luscious locks of hair for balding people? Just asking... for a friend... .