The new method of stem cells does not kill embryos

Scientists have found two new ways to create human embryonic stem cells without damaging the embryo.

Stem cells can develop into many different types of cells of the body. These two methods have been successfully implemented in experimental mice, and researchers are optimistic that the procedure can be applied to re- created with human cells.

In the first study published in the journal Nature this week, researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology , curbed Cdx2 gene activity in mouse embryos. This helps prevent the formation of a cell layer called trophectoderm , which prevents the embryo from attaching to the uterine wall and cannot become living animals. They claim that these embryos can produce stem cells that will survive.

In the second study, the scientists used a reproductive method called preimplantation gene diagnosis for mouse embryonic stem cells: a single cell taken from mouse embryos, inserted into the rest of the embryo. to transplant and grow as usual. This single cell is enough to produce many stem cells.

Young Chung, one of the project managers, said: ' These newly produced stem cells are capable of producing every cell in the body, including neurons, bone cells and cells. heart beating '.

Both of these groups confirmed that the experimental techniques in this mouse could be applied in humans. Stem cells are able to replace any location of human cells as required and help treat many degenerative diseases.

The stem cell problem has caused a fierce moral and political controversy in the United States. The Bush administration, which is a pro-abortion advocate, refused to fund embryonic stem cell research because it thought it could kill embryos.

T.VY ( According to Xinhua, AFP )