Skin transformed into brain cells
By JAMES GALLAGHER - BBC NEWS - HEALTH
Added: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:13:54 UTC
Skin cells have been converted directly into cells which develop into the main components of the brain, by researchers studying mice in California.
The experiment, reported in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, skipped the middle "stem cell" stage in the process.
The researchers said they were "thrilled" at the potential medical uses.
Far more tests are needed before the technique could be used on human skin.
Stem cells, which can become any other specialist type of cell from brain to bone, are thought to have huge promise in a range of treatments. Many trials are taking place, such as in stroke patients or specific forms of blindness.
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