Stem cells 'created from teeth'

Stem cells 'created from teeth'

news.bbc.co.uk

Japanese scientists say they have created human stem cells from tissue taken from the discarded wisdom teeth of a 10-year-old girl.

The researchers say their work suggests that wisdom teeth could be a suitable alternative to human embryos as a source for therapeutic stem cells.

Research involving stem cells is seen as having the potential to treat many life-threatening diseases.

But some people believe using human embryos is ethically controversial.

The researchers, based at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), say it will be at least five years before their findings result in practical medical applications.

(visit the link for the full news article)

Good news apparently for stem cell research, as it appears new avenues are opening up.

The article says it will be at least 5 years until medical applications are possible, but if they do manage it, this could spell the beginning of a new era in medicine and medical techniques.

It could also spel the end of the outcry against embryo research if it moves in this direction.

news.bbc.co.uk
(visit the link for the full news article)

Great find budski! And great news for medical science.

My only concern is that someone will find a problem with it. Just watch, someone on ATS will probably stand up against this.

Flagged

TheRedneck

reply to post by budski


Heavy dose of sarcasm
Wisdom teeth are people too. How can we be so disregarding of dental life. The life of a tooth begins at its first exposure. Its a slippery slope, next thing you know we will be mandating extraction of wisdom teeth and forcing people to give up the life of their teeth.

reply to post by TheRedneck


That's always a danger - some people just seem to delight in making things as difficult as possible.

On the plus side, this could really move stem cell research forwards, and mean good news for all of humanity.