Transplant hope for stroke sufferers (via stem cells)

[Emillereid]

Helen Pilcher

Stem cells locate brain injury and form replacement neurons in rats.


Human fetal stem-cells turned into neurons when injected into rats' brains.
© SPL
Transplants of human fetal stem-cells may help repair stroke-induced brain damage. This has long been a goal of stem-cell researchers, and now a study in rats has produced the most promising result yet, by showing that grafted cells can home in on injured brain regions and form replacement nerve cells.

The next step is to prove that the cells can reverse paralysis in the rodents, before moving on to primate and human trials. "We're not saying we can treat patients immediately, but it is a big step forwards," says Gary Steinberg from Stanford University, who led the study.

Stroke is the main cause of disability in adults, and is the third biggest cause of death in the United States. The condition occurs when a blood vessel carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain becomes blocked or bursts. Brain cells then start to suffocate and die.

It is hoped that stem cells, which can turn into many different types of cell, will be able to replace the damaged tissue........

http://www.nature.com/news/2004/040726/full/040726-2.html

Kerry should make this a big issue -- that the Bushits' closed-minded religiosity is hampering research that could save the quality of life for so many people. Go Ron Reagan!

[DODI]

1. So, this could help Saddam?

Guess we won't be getting stem cell.

[Emillereid]

2. Ha Ha!

[qanda]

3. That's what I was thinking

Now we know the Republicans won't agree to stem cell research.

[fishnfla]

4. Here that word, Shrub? "Hope"?

beats your bullet and a prayer bullshit, son.

In 50 years people are gonna look back and say, "damn, he tried to prevent this cure? Christ, what was that, the stone age?"

[mom cat]

5. And he has made such a fuss about flip floppers that he can't change

his tune now. He deserves every bit of blow-back on this one that he can get. :evilgrin: I sure hope this works in people. A high number of troops that are being injured in Iraq are suffering from head injury.