MU team reports stem-cell advances: Research could eventually aid in treatments. Discovery is unrelated to focus of current debate in state.

Source: Kansas City Star
Posted: September 19, 2006

Summary:

A University of Missouri-Columbia researcher working with pigs has succeeded for the first time in isolating a rare type of adult stem cell circulating in the blood. The stem cells are capable of growing into the cells that form nerves, blood vessels and other kinds of tissues. While the research is just beginning, it eventually could help in the development of treatments for spinal cord injuries and degenerative brain diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

Commentary: Maybe these new adult stem cells will have successful therapeutic applications for treating human diseases and injuries without the controversy that has surrounded the field of embryonic stem cell research.