Close X
Monday, November 11, 2024
ADVT 
National

Researchers show how stem cells are reprogrammed, should spur treatment discovery

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 10 Dec, 2014 11:15 AM

    TORONTO — A Canadian-led international team of researchers has created the first high-resolution characterization of the process in which stem cells are formulated from other specialized cells.

    The research is being touted as a breakthrough in utilizing stem cells to treat or even cure a host of diseases in the future. Certain stem cells have the potential to become any cell type in the body.

    Dr. Andras Nagy of Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, who led the international research team, says stem cells hold enormous promise for treating or reversing such conditions as blindness, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, spinal cord injury and stroke-related brain damage.

    The researchers also identified a new type of stem cells, called F-class stem cells due to their fuzzy appearance.

    Nagy says these F-class stem cells have unique properties that could open up new avenues for generating "designer" cells that may be safer and more efficient when used in future therapies.

    Ontario Health Minister Dr. Eric Hoskins hails the research as a game-changer that will open up new frontiers in scientific and medical knowledge worldwide.

    The research is detailed in five papers published Wednesday in the prestigious journals Nature and Nature Communications.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    New court date set for Quebec man accused of pretending to be a soldier

    New court date set for Quebec man accused of pretending to be a soldier
    OTTAWA — A new court date has been set for a Quebec man accused of impersonating a soldier during last month's Remembrance Day ceremony at the National War Memorial.

    New court date set for Quebec man accused of pretending to be a soldier

    Newfoundland and Labrador premier reconsidering support of EU trade deal

    Newfoundland and Labrador premier reconsidering support of EU trade deal
    ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — The premier of Newfoundland and Labrador says he is reconsidering support of Canada's free trade deal with Europe because the federal government is adding new conditions to a promised fishery fund for his province.

    Newfoundland and Labrador premier reconsidering support of EU trade deal

    Assembly of First Nations honours Rinelle Harper who calls for national inquiry

    Assembly of First Nations honours Rinelle Harper who calls for national inquiry
    WINNIPEG — A teenage girl who was viciously assaulted and left for dead last month has added her voice to the call for a national inquiry into missing and murdered aboriginal women.

    Assembly of First Nations honours Rinelle Harper who calls for national inquiry

    Calgary man accused of murdering his missing spouse makes brief court appearance

    Calgary man accused of murdering his missing spouse makes brief court appearance
    CALGARY — A Calgary man charged in the murder of his missing spouse after police found human remains in his house has made a brief court appearance.

    Calgary man accused of murdering his missing spouse makes brief court appearance

    Assembly of First Nations meeting honours Manitoba teen who was assaulted

    Assembly of First Nations meeting honours Manitoba teen who was assaulted
    WINNIPEG — A three-day meeting of the Assembly of First Nations begins this morning with a special ceremony to honour Rinelle Harper.

    Assembly of First Nations meeting honours Manitoba teen who was assaulted

    Ottawa asked to lift cap on immigrants Alberta can nominate for permanent jobs

    Ottawa asked to lift cap on immigrants Alberta can nominate for permanent jobs
    EDMONTON — Alberta wants the federal government to lift the lid on the number of economic immigrants it can nominate each year for permanent residence so it can better meet its growing labour needs.

    Ottawa asked to lift cap on immigrants Alberta can nominate for permanent jobs