Alright ladies and gentlemen, until April 23, 2009 there had been no major breakthroughs in stem cell research. However, scientists have finally made some major progess! And by major I do mean could change the world and could be the first step in the right direction.
Scientists have recently discovered a way to convert an adult cell BACK into a stem cell. Let me just explain this for all of you none science lovers: this means that these scientists took a developed cell, put it in an isolate environment and probably adding all different types of chemicals and mixtures which in the end converted it back into a stem cell meaning that one cell that had already been something once can now become whatever we want it to!! This is a HUGE deal.
This accomplishment means that instead of using embryonic stem cells doctors will be able to get cells from the actual patients themselves and create what they need! This means that a major kink in the system, about whether or not stem cell research is ethical and moral, can be eliminated and scientists can press on full force!
However, there are some complications. This is just the begining, nothing extreme will happen until scientists can answer the questions about what dangers they may face. Since the scientists did have to add all the different chemicals to convert it back into a stem cell there will have to be several tests conducted to see the reactions of those chemicals as they start to create things. Also, they will have to see how the different DNA changes will affect the patients and so forth. Of course this will take quite a bit of time, but that does not take away from how exciting this actually is!
Nobel Price any one?
Here is the link to the article:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090423132559.htm
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