Source: University of Edinburgh
Posted: May 16, 2006
Summary:
The African clawed frog could prove a useful subject for scientists who are working in stem cell research to sudy. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have discovered that the distinctive species -- which has become popular in recent years as a domestic pet -- shares with humans the same genetic mechanism that enables embryonic stem cells to divide without limit. This process, which gives embryonic stem cells the capacity to become any of the 200 cell types in the body, is fundamental to all research in the discipline.
Commentary: Maybe the African clawed frog will enabe scientists to better understand stem cells as fruit flies enabled a better understanding of human genetics.
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