Scientists in Japan discovered a way to quickly make stem cells simply by dipping blood into an acid. Stem cells are being researched in order to find ways to help heal the eyes, heart and brain. They can be just about any type of cell in the body: i.e. liver cell, nerve cell, muscle cell. This new development can make these stem cells at a faster rate, with a tremendous decrease in costs. Also, scientist believe that with further research that they can regenerate a human body. The term for these cells are STAP (stimulus-triggered acquisition of pluripotency) cells. Dr. Haruko Obokata from the Riken Centre for Developmental Biology in Japan, said she was "really surprised" that cells could respond to their environment in this way. She also added "It's exciting to think that about the new possibilities these findings offer us, not only in regenerative medicine, but cancer as well." The specific breakthrough had been tested with mice, but the scientists are working on testing a human sample of blood. Chris Mason, professor of regenerative medicine at University College London, said if it also works in humans then "the age of personalised medicine would have finally arrived."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-25917270
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