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

    Tories look to improve fortunes as Newfoundlanders vote in two byelections

    Tories look to improve fortunes as Newfoundlanders vote in two byelections
    ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — Newfoundland and Labrador's governing Progressive Conservatives will try to improve their fortunes today in a pair of byelections after losing the last five.

    Tories look to improve fortunes as Newfoundlanders vote in two byelections

    Witness tells murder trial he didn't see crew member use fishing gaff on victim

    Witness tells murder trial he didn't see crew member use fishing gaff on victim
    PORT HAWKESBURY, N.S. — A key witness at the trial of a lobster fisherman accused of killing another fisherman in Nova Scotia says he did not actually see the accused use a fishing gaff to drag the victim out to sea.

    Witness tells murder trial he didn't see crew member use fishing gaff on victim

    Father praises outlet for publishing name of girl at centre of child porn case

    Father praises outlet for publishing name of girl at centre of child porn case
    HALIFAX — Police have launched an investigation into a possible breach of a publication ban after a major news outlet in Halifax published the name of a teenage girl at the centre of a high-profile child pornography case.

    Father praises outlet for publishing name of girl at centre of child porn case

    P.E.I.'s next Liberal leader, premier to be chosen at February convention

    P.E.I.'s next Liberal leader, premier to be chosen at February convention
    CHARLOTTETOWN — Prince Edward Island's governing Liberals will choose a new leader and the province's next premier in February.

    P.E.I.'s next Liberal leader, premier to be chosen at February convention

    No decision on new trial for Calgary reservist in fatal training accident

    No decision on new trial for Calgary reservist in fatal training accident
    CALGARY — The Canadian Forces says it will not challenge a court ruling that overturned a soldier's conviction in a fatal training accident in Afghanistan.

    No decision on new trial for Calgary reservist in fatal training accident

    Manitoba Appeal Court to review 1987 murder conviction of Frank Ostrowski

    Manitoba Appeal Court to review 1987 murder conviction of Frank Ostrowski
    WINNIPEG — A former hair stylist turned drug dealer who spent 23 years in prison for murder has moved one step closer to possibly clearing his name.

    Manitoba Appeal Court to review 1987 murder conviction of Frank Ostrowski