Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Stem cells restore hearing, vision in animals

Source: Reuters
Posted: November 19, 2008 6:59am EST

Summary:

Reuters reports researchers have found that adult stem cells can restore hearing and vision in animals:

"Stem cells from tiny embryos can be used to restore lost hearing and vision in animals, researchers said Tuesday in what they believe is a first step toward helping people. One team repaired hearing in guinea pigs using human bone marrow stem cells, while another grew functioning eyes in tadpoles using frog cells. While there are no immediate uses for humans, they said their findings help describe some of the most basic biological processes underlying the development of hearing and sight, and may help in the development of the new field of regenerative medicine."