Top, neural cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells, transplanted into embryonic mice, matured in the brain and show synaptic integration into surrounding host neurons. Bottom, a close-up view (Credit: Marius Wernig/Whitehead Institute)
Posted on 05/05/2008 8:26:17 PM PDT by neverdem
A study recently conducted at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) showed for the first time that artificially created stem cells can be used to treat Parkinson’s disease. In another research project conducted at the Imperial College in London, scientists identified the source of nerve cells in the embryo. The findings of these research projects have led scientists to believe stem cells can be used in new therapies for Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a degenerative neurological disorder that occurs when nerve cells (neurons) in an area of the brain that controls muscle movement die or become impaired. Currently, the exact reason for the brain cells' death is unknown.
Normally, these neurons (called dopaminergic neurons) produce an important chemical known as dopamine, which helps coordinate our movements. In the absence of dopamine, patients suffer from symptoms, such as muscle rigidity and loss of balance.
Over the last few years, vast research has been conducted in the field of PD in order to find a possible cure to the disease. One of the approaches being tested for the treatment of PD is transplanting normal, dopamine producing neurons into the patient’s brain, so that they will compensate for the inactivity of the damaged cells. However, the lack of available neurons for transplantation and the growing use of stem cells, led researchers to investigate the possible use of artificial neuron cells, generated from stem cells, as a possible source for the transplant.
In a research study conducted at MIT, Dr. Marius Wering and his colleagues relied on a discovery made last year by US and Japanese researchers who managed to induce stem cells from human skin cells. The artificial stem cells have the same characteristics as embryonic stem cells and can thus create almost any cell in the body...
(Excerpt) Read more at tfot.info ...
stem cell ping
As you know, my mother has Parkinson’s and has no balance left at all. Last week she fell out of her scooter and had to go to the hospital for stitches. Her right foot has dropped, and she freezes when we transfer her to bed, etc. Somehow all of us, (her children)with the help of an agency, are managing to take care of her. Her mind is fine so we take her all over. On Sat. we took her to a family lunch at a restaurant and on Sat. night, we took her to see the movie, ‘27 Dresses,’ which she really enjoyed. Sunday we took her to church and today to the Parkinson’s Exercise class. Tonight my brother took over...
And still, our pre-sumptive nominee, McCain, supports the murder of unborn children by supporting Embryonic Stem-Cell research.
This man will do almost anything to curry the favor of the left.
Anything to win the Presidency, including being a traitor to the conservative cause.
Fascinating. Thanks for the ping. My mom has Parkinson and has already had DBS implants put in her brain.
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