Source: Brisbane Courier Mail
Posted: June 30, 2006
Summary:
STEM cells capable of turning into neurons have been extracted from "virgin birth" embryos. The embryos were produced by a process called parthenogenesis, which allows eggs to develop without being fertilised. The technique could allow embryonic stem cells to be produced without having to destroy an early-stage human embryo made by fertilising eggs with sperm.
Italian researchers from the University of Milan created parthenotes that divided and formed immature embryos called blastocysts, New Scientist magazine reported. They were able to obtain stem cells from these embryos and grow them in the laboratory. The team was able to show that the cells can differentiate into mature neurons.
Commentary: Hopefully this will lead to treatments of neurological conditions in the future and enable physicians to avoid the ethical controversy commonly associated with embryonic stem cells.
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