Missing link SCs

[rayilynlee <rayilynlee@xxxxxxx>]

Missing link" stem cells may speed race for cures
Wed Jun 27, 2007 1:31pm ET
By Ben Hirschler
LONDON (Reuters) - Scientists have discovered a new type of embryonic stem
cell in mice and rats that should speed up research into regenerative
medicine and help in the hunt for cures to a range of diseases.
Two independent teams from Britain's Oxford and Cambridge universities said
on Wednesday that so-called rodent epiblast stem cells were very similar to
human embryonic stem cells, making them particularly good models for
analyzing human health.
The new cells effectively constitute a "missing link" between mouse and
human embryonic stem cells, according to Roger Pedersen, leader of the
Cambridge group.
Human embryonic stem cells are the source of every cell, tissue and organ in
the body. Scientists want to use them to find cures for diseases like
Parkinson's, cancer and diabetes, although critics say it is wrong to use
any embryo in this way.
Laboratory mice have long been a favourite model for human disease but
researchers have been frustrated by the fact that human and mouse stem cells
behave very differently.
Now scientists think they may have cracked the problem.
© Reuters 2007. All Rights Reserved.
Rayilyn Brown
Board Member AZNPF
Arizona Chapter National Parkinson's Foundation
rbrown@xxxxxxxxx

----------------------------------------------------------------------
To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:listserv@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn