Scientists in Japan have discovered a new method of quickly creating stem cells by simply dipping blood cells into acid. These stem cells can then be transformed into any tissue and are already being trialled for healing the eye, heart and brain. According to Dr Haruko Obokata, from the Riken Centre for Developmental Biology in Japan: “It’s exciting to think about the new possibilities these findings offer us, not only in regenerative medicine, but cancer as well.” Continue reading for a video and more information.
Chris Mason, professor of regenerative medicine at University College London, told the BBC: “I thought – ‘my God that’s a game changer!’ It’s a very exciting, but surprise, finding. It looks a bit too good to be true, but the number of experts who have reviewed and checked this, I’m sure that it is. If this works in people as well as it does in mice, it looks faster, cheaper and possibly safer than other cell reprogramming technologies – personalised reprogrammed cell therapies may now be viable.”
