Source: Durham University
Date: September 2, 2008
Summary:
Scientists have designed, developed and tested new molecular tools for stem cell research to direct the formation of certain tissue types for use in drug development programmes. A collaborative team of scientists from Durham University and the North East England Stem Cell Institute (NESCI) have developed two synthetic molecules which can be used to coax stem cells to 'differentiate' - that is, transform into other forms of tissue. Their use could also help reduce the number of animals used in laboratory research. The team's results are published in the current issue of the scientific journal, Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry.
