Beyond Stem Cells: Scientists Master Cell Transmogrification

Discover Magazine ^ | August 27, 2008 | (Unknown)

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In a discovery that’s being hailed as a leap forward in regenerative medicine, researchers have found a way to transform common pancreatic cells in an adult mouse into the rare, insulin-producing beta cells that are destroyed in type 1 diabetes. Previously, researchers believed that the only way to transmute an adult cell was to first coax it back into stem cell form and then to reprogram it; this new research removes the first step entirely.

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Ah, Calvin later modified his original box version:



I just wish the media would be able to contrast this advancement against the lack of similar accomplishments in ESC research. It would really help getting money to the productive areas that are getting closer to, and in some cases, finding cures.

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We can hope at least that investment in ESCR will slowstop as adult stem cells and even gene therapy are showing such promise.