Researchers in Melbourne, Australia have found a way of getting actual brain stem cells to re-grow, and this has been proven in the labs (rats). This brings a new twist to the embryonic stem cell debate. If cells can be taken from the sufferer themselves (they were specifically talking Parkinsons on the broadcast)then not only is the necessity for an embryonic stemcell gone, but the concept of the body rejecting the cells from the embryo, which would be quite high, is also dispelled.
This was on the evening news tonight in Adelaide, South Australia on the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Commission). If anyone wants to look at this info it should be on their web site at www.abc.net.au.
I think it's pretty exciting stuff, don't know if the news will break in US for a while but it certainly puts a new slant on the debate!!
Cheers
Narelle--modified by Narelle Lehane at Thu, Aug 16, 2001, 06:26:14
Update for those interested
This research has been published in a paper in the science journal "nature", today. If anyone wants to read on about this fascinating stuff - read all about it at
http://www.nature.com/nature/
Re: Update for those interested
Hey Narelle....I know in the U.S. they have already been using stem cells as a type of adjunct therapy along with bone marrow transplants for patients with leukemia.
CHECK IT OUT: http://pub11.ezboard.com/banabolex
The Speakeasy
--modified by Madtaz at Thu, Aug 16, 2001, 08:28:04
Re: Update for those interested
Hey, give us credit mate :) This is the first proof that adult human BRAIN CELLS can rejuvinate, up till now was thought that only in infants that this could happen - this is a breakthrough and it's an Aussie one, haha!!--modified by narelle lehane at Thu, Aug 16, 2001, 19:23:31
Re: Update for those interested
Hi, Madtaz -
Yes, they do that procedure in Oz also (fancy that!) - a very good friend of mine is undergoing this therapy right now, in fact. But this new breakthrough at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute in Melbourne, Australia is of much greater significance. In a world first, the Aussies have isolated stem cells in an adult human brain. Do check out the article in "Nature". Bottom line is that it will dispense with the need for collecting stem cells from embryos.
And isn't that what all the fuss has been about over there???? Sorry - I couldn't resist posting here! Jeff Down Under :-)
Re: Update for those interested
In the future, you had best resist otherwise you may be severly chastised!!!!!!!!!!!!!Check it out: http://pub11.ezboard.com/banabolex
The Speakeasy
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