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Article Source: redorbit.com
Bioscientists announced Wednesday that they have turned the skin cells of mice into brain cells in less than a week.
"We actively and directly induced one cell type to become a completely different cell type," said Marius Wernig, an assistant professor of pathology at the Stanford University School of Medicine in California.
"These are fully functional neurons. They can do all the principal things that neurons in the brain do," Wernig told the AFP news agency.
These are adult skin cells that are reprogrammed with a basket of genes and bath of proteins back to their pluripotent state, and then prompted into developing into a new cell type.
This new research skips this intermediary stage by converting mature cells, taken from the skin of mice tails, into neurons in a lab dish all in a single step.
and...
The study, which was published online by the British Journal Nature, said that at 20 percent, it was up to 10 times more efficient than conventional pluripotent stem cell techniques.
Great find JC
the republicans will never allow this here cause of the pharmaceutical companies here.
@ Silver163
As a Republican, I must, sadly, agree with you on that one. It's too bad too, because, this is such an enormous breakthrough.
Great seed, JCAtom. :)
Actually, I disagree. If the Republicans block this technology here in America, and American companies aren't allowed to profit from this technology, then the American people will go (with their money) elsewhere for medical treatment...especially if the tech becomes available in Canada.
America's provincial ludditical idiocy surrounding stem cells is going to put us behind in the world's medical industrial stage. We are already way behind China in stem-cell therapy. If we continue to miss these medical cash cows -- and allow China to become the world's medical leader -- it'll be one more crack in America's economic base.
@1.4
I think you're worrying a little too late. The writing is on the wall. :/
Considering all of the obesity in the US, this is a really good thing!!
These aren't fetal stem cells we're talking about here. Obama lifted the ban anyway. What are you guys complaining about? This is great news:
Embryonic stem cells have triggered controversy, with objections from the Roman Catholic Church, which says that an embryo is a human life.
In 2007, "induced" pluripotent stem cells were created to help ease moral objections.
These are adult skin cells that are reprogrammed with a basket of genes and bath of proteins back to their pluripotent state, and then prompted into developing into a new cell type.
Looks like everyone's happy with this; even us uptight Republicans.....
I just hope that it wasn't foreskin cells that they used. The article doesn't say.
prilj: think you're worrying a little too late. The writing is on the wall. :/
Yeah, I know. But that's why I'm a cynic: I'm merely a disappointed romantic. I still hope that we'll move in the right direction.
I just hope that it wasn't foreskin cells that they used.
Yes the mere thought of Pamela Anderson could make one's brain swell and explode. Although that could be a good thing. Wives could inject their husbands secretly and know if they were thinking about someone else. Think of the possibilities.
Very interesting find. Thanks!
Can we inject Pelosie, she is also in great need of a brain. It couldn't hurt.
For me this article almost makes me cry. While that may sound funny to some, understand that I am a terminally ill 28 year old in need of two organs, which with the current state of our medical system (particularly our organ transplant lists or as I like to call them organ rejection lists) means I will probably be dead before I could ever get one (unless I buy one like the elite do ). Now even though I may not benefit directly from the progress of this research, my daughter (who may or may not inherit the same condition destroying my body) may just see the long healthy life I have often dreamt of. I do ask though, espcially to all you fellow seeders out there who seem strong in your opinions and willing to speak when others remain silent, do everything in your power via your congressmen and women, your representatives, to keep big business interests and politics from slowing this vital research.
I will now get off my soap box :-) Have a wonderful day everyone :-)
We can all sympathize with your predicament. IT is not funny to anyone here I'm sure. But knowing how assinine things currently are, it will take decades before they use this research fully.
I am sure that sometime in the future they will be able to regenerate most every cell which would lead to relative immortality. When they do, I have often thought what a sad thing it would be to be the last human to die.
Luck to you.
Yes our current president's brain cells were created from cells from a foreskin!
This is an amazing breakthrough, I can't imagine how many diseases and injuries this could help. As for immortality, never fear, I'm pretty sure only the very rich or very lucky will benefit if they ever figure out how to regenerate our every cell. Then we'll have an overpopulation of Mr.Burnses and.....eek, I've scared myself.
@1.8
I thought the story said the skin came from the tail?
Or, are you just trying to be funny? :)
Creating brain cells.
Are you kidding.
That is the last thing on the Republicon agenda.
Brain cells are dangerous...see the case of "Sarah Palin vs. The Neuron: 2008."
With out sounding flippant what would the result be if the gathered skin cells from the but?. Great article.
#2 - Thu Jan 28, 2010 12:50 PM ESTThen we could call people butt-head or ass-face without impunity :D
Then all of the men that benefited from this would be thinking with their asses instead of with their... well, you get the idea. :)
This is absolutely huge! It means that we are possibly on the way to developing anatomical repair shops that can reconstruct any organ or body part we need. It also signals the approaching resolution to the debate about using the embryonic stem cells. Think about what it means for head trauma victims, burn victims, amputees, and those with diseased organs like hearts and kidneys. I wish I had another 50 years in front of me just so I could be around when we have achieved the ability to extend life indefinitely. It will be a mixed blessing however, unless we inhabit another planet or two.
My thoughts exactly demo scout. This is very interesting and could be the key to so many things.
Cool seed! thanks!
What I'm wondering is if this will help in the repair of damaged Spinal Cords or to alleviate problems or repair parts of the brain damaged by strokes and blood clots. This may have far reaching benefits if it can be perfected.
It also signals the approaching resolution to the debate about using the embryonic stem cells.
Correct me if I am wrong, but aren't the cells being used in this study adult cells that do not require the destruction of mice embryos, let alone human embryos? Adult stem cell research has yielded numerous practical uses, without the need for destruction of human life, and as this very news article shows, shows much promise for alleviating human suffering.
In fact, even though adult stem cell research has been studied for a much longer period of time due to restrictions on embryonic stem cell usage, there is little reason to believe that embryonic stem cell research is more promising than adult (see article below about the results of embryonic stem cell research so far). Why not focus on adult stem cell research that has already yielded incredible results, and spare the needless loss of human life?
http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/health.asp
The Promise of Stem Cells
Studying stem cells will help us understand how they transform into the dazzling array of specialized cells that make us what we are. Some of the most serious medical conditions, such as cancer and birth defects, are due to problems that occur somewhere in this process. A better understanding of normal cell development will allow us to understand and perhaps correct the errors that cause these medical conditions.
Another potential application of stem cells is making cells and tissues for medical therapies. Today, donated organs and tissues are often used to replace those that are diseased or destroyed. Unfortunately, the number of people needing a transplant far exceeds the number of organs available for transplantation. Pluripotent stem cells offer the possibility of a renewable source of replacement cells and tissues to treat a myriad of diseases, conditions, and disabilities including Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal cord injury, burns, heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.
Have human embryonic stem cells successfully treated any human diseases?
Scientists have been able to do experiments with human embryonic stem cells (hESC) only since 1998, when a group led by Dr. James Thomson at the University of Wisconsin developed a technique to isolate and grow the cells. Although hESC are thought to offer potential cures and therapies for many devastating diseases, research using them is still in its early stages.
In late January 2009, the California-based company Geron received FDA clearance to begin the first human clinical trial of cells derived from human embryonic stem cells.
- Read the Geron press release
Adult stem cells, such as blood-forming stem cells in bone marrow (called hematopoietic stem cells, or HSCs), are currently the only type of stem cell commonly used to treat human diseases. Doctors have been transferring HSCs in bone marrow transplants for over 40 years, and advances in techniques of collecting, or "harvesting" HSCs have been made. HSCs are used to reconstitute the immune system after leukemia, lymphoma or various blood or autoimmune disorders have been treated with chemotherapy.
The clinical potential of adult stem cells has also been demonstrated in the treatment of other human diseases that include diabetes and advanced kidney cancer. However, these newer uses have involved studies with a very limited number of patients.
Participating in Research Studies
Scientists are testing the abilities of adult stem cells to treat certain diseases. You can search for clinical trials using stem cells (or other methods) to treat a specific disease at ClinicalTrials.gov.
It also signals the approaching resolution to the debate about using the embryonic stem cells
Hopefully you were just implying that the debate was over because this new research shows that embryonic stem cells may be unecessary.
Using discarded embryos doesn't in any way cause a loss of life. This is the equivalent of saying we should eliminate organ donations because they cause a loss of human life. No human embryos are created and destroyed for research purposes. Embryos which would otherwise be destroyed are used in research. Yes, adult stem cells have seen some amazing developments, largely because we've had an extra ten years of research with them, but this shouldn't preclude proceeding with embyronic stem cell research which is only opposed for idiotic religious reasons.
Brent..that is only relevant if you are Pathologically Christan and are a My RIGHT TO your LIFErs! Tell me what is worse WASTING discarded and I repeat DISCARDED embryos?...OR USING these DISCARDED embryos to MAKE or SAVE a HUMAN life? So using your alleged logic it is more holy and reverent and more "loving" to simply throw them in the garbage can other than to utilize them! You stay Classy and compassionate Brent!
Schroeder, I said some people consider embyos to be human life. Why so defensive? To some discarded embryos are thrown away humans; pure and simple. But this article is about a different kind of cell anyway. We can all be happy!
Yeah Brent your right..I get bent when I see people who seem to have a problem with not being able to find the point at which something becomes negligible and benefit can be derived from. You must be neutral on this subject it seems,but people who cannot see past religion when it comes to pragmatism irritate me. How anyone can find using stem cells a un-Godly enterprise to save or improve life is beyond all logic.
Shroeder, If we were to farm embryos for research, I would have a problem with that. I realize abortion is legal but feel it should be used as a last resort-full disclosure....
We know each other well enough by now, don't we?
btw, I can't believe that stupid teleprompter seed generated 300 comments?!
;-)
I can't say it any better than this guy:
http://www.albertmohler.com/2009/04/20/the-abandoned-embryo-out-of-sight-out-of-mind-out-of-luck/
"The destruction of any human embryo in the name of medical research undermines human dignity. This new policy announced by the National Institutes of Health will lead almost immediately to the destruction of embryos now labeled as “excess” in the nation’s fertility clinics. I am thankful that the Obama administration’s new policy does not go further than it does, though the limitation of new research to cells taken from embryos sourced from fertility clinics appears to be based in a political calculation, and not in any discernible principle.
The real scandal in this new policy is that these human embryos now in fertility clinics are to be seen as research commodities, possessing no special moral status. This points to the fact that human dignity is subverted every time an embryo is created and not transferred into a womb. Once abandoned and declared to be “excess,” the embryo is in maximum danger, for it is now treated as an object of only scientific worth. This entire nation bears responsibility for these embryos — and most importantly the parents of these embryos are responsible. It is tragic and unthinkable that parents would allow any of their offspring — at any level of development— to be destroyed in the name of medical progress, but this is exactly what this new policy represents. Every single human being was once an embryo. This “compromise” by the Obama administration now puts the human race on the fast-track to further commoditization."
Brent..Yeah that is a good number of comments !you underestimate yourself! BTW I see that you were in the silent service, The Navy was my second choice for military service behind the Air Force. Stupidly I did neither and went to work in a glass plant. As far as the Navy the surface fleet is OK but the Submarine has always been my favorite Naval vessel. I would have put in for sub duty as I have no problem with claustrophobia and find the interior of a sub a lot like a space vessel. I most likely would have specialized in nuclear power plants and the operation of. Thanks for your service, Live Long and Prosper!
Seriously, I NEVER expected that. I think I've broached 100 ONCE. It blew me away. And yes, it was trivial, as I admitted several times.
Let's me and you try to be more civil with each other; who knows? Maybe we'll rub off on some folks.....
And you are welcome. The 5 years I spent submerged seemed to take for ever, but I have a pension now. Things are good.
Brent you should quote Aldus Huxley's Brave New World when discussing farmed embryos.
Pluripotent cells and their use is not so close as we think from the standpoint of widespread implementation in medicine. The hurdles to clear are many and high when it comes to introducing a potentially cancerous entity into a human.
This work is a nice example of thinking outside the box to accomplish something science has been working on for decades. If only we could become as good as insect larvae, then we could all live forever. At least until we are hit by a trucker streaming porn... but that is a different seed. (ooh triple entendre)
SC,
What I'm wondering is if this will help in the repair of damaged Spinal Cords or to alleviate problems or repair parts of the brain damaged by strokes and blood clots.
Wouldn't that be wonderful? Think of all the neurologic disorders where the actual nerves are permanently damaged too. Let's hope this is as important of a step to that goal as it seems. Nicely done, scientists!
Don't get me wrong in what I am about to say, because I in no way want people to die or want people to be without limbs or anything if they don't have to, but can you imagine the load on the planet if people continue to live beyond their expectancy? If fewer and fewer people die because of scientific discoveries, doesn't it seem like the world's resources will be used up that much faster? And in America alone, the burden on things like the health care system and welfare and food supplies would be huge. I want people to live, but looking at it from the economy as it is now, it just seems scary. There would be even fewer available jobs, food supplies would dimish faster, fuels would be used up faster, and so on.
Rationing of births would be the next logical step. Birth to death ratios would need to balance. Although taken to extremes, some countries would bomb others to make room for more people.
Brent.I think the fact that we are now friends on NewsVine now may set an example for some. I would put forth that if more viners would cross the aisle so to speak that some of this vitriol would cease. A friend of mine served on the "Shall not Perish" in communications, he told me what NAVY means to personnel...Never Again Volunteer Yourself! Btw, have you seen the movie "Down Periscope"? Hilarious!! My favorite part was when they were running silent and the cook farts! My favorite character is the Sonar Radio guy!
thanks JC - your seeds are always so interesting - this is a great thing - i hope success continues
#4 - Thu Jan 28, 2010 2:25 PM ESTOn a serious note...This is awesome!We need more research and funding for things like this.
But sadly, yes, the GOP, will not stand for this.
They're already scared of the brains we already have.....do we have to create more?
#5 - Thu Jan 28, 2010 3:24 PM ESTThey're already scared of the brains we already have.....do we have to create more?
But imagine the possibilities: even THEY could grow brains, with enough research, of course. ;-)
If Limbaugh could figure out how to do this he'd become a genius!
Limbaugh seems to be growing at an alarming rate as it is.
Amazing breakthrough. I would hope this will continue to be funded in hopes of success with human cells. As was mentioned before, it is hard to see what objections could be had with research such as this, but I could foresee some arising (as there always does) if and when this hits national/international spotlights... Either way great find!!!
#7 - Thu Jan 28, 2010 4:54 PM ESTWell... looks like this stuff is getting ready for prime time. I wonder what the first human trials will be like. Maybe regrowing a tooth? Nerve cells?
I do agree that if it gets a lot of flak from religion that American research would be affected. Maybe we should code name the project "the power of prayer". You know, so when they start hearing about results they wouldn't be too alarmed.
....or maybe get Obama to take a rigid stand against it... that could help.
#8 - Thu Jan 28, 2010 4:55 PM ESTget Obama to take a rigid stand against it... that could help.
Funny, but true. That'd definitely work for a lot of people.
Wait until a few Democrats go elsewhere....have it done....and a Republican or two has serious dementia.....then they will beg to pass it .......
I was looking at the old Republicans during Obamas speech and it is plain to see they won't live too much longer....maybe we will get some forward looking people in office.
I hope to see the research go further......
#9 - Thu Jan 28, 2010 5:57 PM ESTOK, experimenting on human embryos has NEVER been banned. You can bathe in human embryos. You can shower with stem cells. What was banned was federal funding of research on human embryos.
But you know liberals. They always have their begging bowls out. They always want to further their plans with other people's money.
If this research is so promising, why don't private companies fund it? Whoever makes a breakthrough would be wealthy beyond their wildest dreams. I guess the very people doing the research, don't have much confidence in it.
All you have to do to get your hands on human embryos is to visit an abortion clinic. Or call Eric Cartman.
#10 - Thu Jan 28, 2010 8:24 PM EST...and force-inject them into all federal politicians. Should be the how that ends.
#11 - Fri Jan 29, 2010 12:25 AM ESTGosh! I hope that this type of research continues without being thwarted by political crap. Initially, I decided to read and respond to this particular linked article simply because it seemed interesting and hopeful for all kinds of potential cures to some awful diseases.
Silly me. . .
I read the article.
Then I read many of the responses to the article.
Silly, silly me. . .
Politics.
The article itself mentions about the controversy surrounding embryonic stem-cells. That should have been a warning for me that the responses to this article would have some kind of political flavor to them.
Silly, silly, silly me. . .
I was really wanting to avoid reading anything political tonight. Just needed a break from heated debates even remotely related to politics, and wanted to read something purely scientific on "Newsvine" and respond accordingly. Now I find myself publicly whining about not finding a political-debate-free thread here. Yes! I do Whine! Whining can be cathartic! Waaaa! Waaaa!
Silly, silly, silly, silly me. . .
LOL! :-D
____________________________
It is a very cool article, though. I remember wondering, a while back, if scientists would ever find the means to change one cell into another. The medical implications are obvious! But the "pure science" of it all is just fascinating! We should be proud of our scientists! We should be proud of ourselves as a species. We should be proud that we can think about what makes us "us", and that there exists ways to improve or better "us", especially if anyone of "us" becomes ill.
There are moments when I'm painfully aware that our time on this planet is quite limited. Our time here is quite short. For some, it's even shorter than "quite short". There are many diseases that have no cure. Many ailments related to the brain and/or the nerves, for example, have no real cure. As I was reading this article, moments ago, I was thinking about my brother-in-law who was recently diagnosed with a neurological disorder similar to MS. He's only 49 years old. So far, none of the treatments have been helping him. Thankfully, this form of neurological disorder (and, to be honest, I can't remember the freakin' name of this disease), seems to be either progressing very slowly or is in some kind of remission. He's not that much worse than he was a few months ago. He's still able to work and function reasonably well. But his right arm and leg is weaker because of this disorder. As I was reading this article, I was wondering if there could exist some kind of process where the neurologists could replace my brother-in-law's degenerated nerves, that have caused his weakness, with new, healthier ones. I was wondering how soon it would be before the general public can see and experience the practical medical benefits that were realized as a result of this research. Soon, I hope!
Cheers. . . :-)
#12 - Fri Jan 29, 2010 1:20 AM ESTCan't wait to be genetically modified!
You know...to fight against the machines...!
Thanks, JC ;)
#14 - Sun Jan 31, 2010 1:38 PM ESTYou're in Easy Mode. If you prefer, you can use XHTML Mode instead. |
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