Source: Medical Research Council
Date: 22 May 2008
Summary:
Scientists have shown for the first time that embryonic stem (ES) cells are able to self-renew without the natural chemicals that scientists have so far used to maintain them and grow stem cell lines. This discovery contradicts previously held views and could have wide-ranging implications for stem cell research. It is hoped the findings, from the Cambridge team lead by Medical Research Council Professor Austin Smith and published in Nature, will lead to a better biological understanding of ES cells and more straightforward translation to the human system of detailed work done only in mouse ES cells to date.
