U researchers making strides in stem cell technology: Working with St. Paul's BioE Inc., researchers successfully grew lung cells.

Source: Minnesota Daily
Posted: November 14, 2006

Summary:

Researchers at the University of Minnesota in partnership with BioE, a St. Paul-based biotechnology company, successfully transformed stem cells found in umbilical cord blood into a kind of cell found in the lungs called type II alveolar cells, which prevent air sacs in the lungs from collapsing, helping people breathe. Presently, the cells could enable researchers to test for latent effects of smoking, pollution or even medications on the respiratory system. The researchers believe the cells may eventually be able to be used to treat diseases such as emphysema or cystic fibrosis.