Source: Wired
Date: April 26, 2005
Summary:
Wired magazine reports on research by scientists at Stanford University to turn neurons from fetal brains in to insulin-producing cells:
"Scientists at Stanford have coaxed neurons from fetal brains to become cells that produce insulin. The cells aren't ready for human transplantation yet, but the advance brings researchers one step closer to a diabetes cure. The researchers created the cells in a dish by mixing up a recipe of chemicals that changed neurons into beta cells, also known as islet cells. When they injected the cells into normal mice, the cells responded to increased glucose levels by pumping out insulin. The next step will be for the researchers to inject the cells into diabetic mice to see if they can reverse the disease."
