Stem cells-The Holy Grail at Last ?STEM CELL RESEARCH Stem cells - The Holy Grail at Last ? Certainly a case can be made for accelerating this research in the interest of common sense medicine and lower costs. In a recent issue (Feb 08), of the journal Cell Stem Cell, Konrad Hochedlinger of Harvard's inter-school Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, reports that they have a break through in the science to convert adult cells into their embryonic state using 4 genes to make the conversion. This conversion can also be accomblished using viruses and cancer causing genes, however the resulting cells cannot be used safely in humans. So , in the past researchers could create the conversion but did not know what steps were occuring in reaching the conversion. They were blind. They now know the steps that occur during the process. This is an important first step in creating safe to use embryonic cells from mature adult cells without the need for viruses or oncogenes. The potential benefits are mind-boggling: > Anti-aging therapies> Re-growth of damaged major organs> Repair of damaged nerves> And much more Then there are also benefits to plant and animal research. These potent benefits, alone, could solve many, many problems for our food chain and eco-system. So how much more research do we need on stem cells ? Balanced Immune System
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