Stem Cell pioneer announces another breaththrough

University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers report they have found a way to further purify adult stem cells, taking scientists a step closer to the day when such stem cells could potentially be used to treat people with chronic ailments. A team of scientists working in the laboratory of Jamie Thomson found a way to reprogram skin cells to an embryonic-like state without leaving behind genetic remnants, which can interfere with basic research by leading to mutations. The UW-Madison researchers are believed to be the first to accomplish this feat, which was reported in Thursday’s online edition of the journal Science. “It’s a fairly big milestone,” said Thomson, a professor in the UW School of Medicine and Public Health who also is the director of regenerative biology for the Morgridge Institute for Research. “But we also have to keep it in perspective, because we still have a long way to go in this field.” – From Madison.com