Close X
Tuesday, September 24, 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

    Couple faces nearly $1-million medical bill after unexpected birth in Hawaii

    Couple faces nearly $1-million medical bill after unexpected birth in Hawaii
    HUMBOLDT, Sask. — A Saskatchewan mother says she is facing more than $900,000 in medical bills after giving birth unexpectedly in the United States and being told the costs won't be covered by insurance.

    Couple faces nearly $1-million medical bill after unexpected birth in Hawaii

    Vancouver's SkyTrain Requires Millions In Upgrades To Prevent System-Wide Shutdowns

    Vancouver's SkyTrain Requires Millions In Upgrades To Prevent System-Wide Shutdowns
    VANCOUVER — A $5-million upgrade to the automated system that runs Metro Vancouver's SkyTrain transit system tops the 20 recommendations included in a report investigating two shutdowns that stranded thousands of passengers in July.

    Vancouver's SkyTrain Requires Millions In Upgrades To Prevent System-Wide Shutdowns

    Talks On Future Of BC's Child Support Clawback Program To Start Dec. 10

    Talks On Future Of BC's Child Support Clawback Program To Start Dec. 10
    VICTORIA — Social Development Minister Don McRae says he'll start talks next month on the future of the government's so-called support payment clawback program.

    Talks On Future Of BC's Child Support Clawback Program To Start Dec. 10

    B.C. Adoption Campaign On Target

    B.C. Adoption Campaign On Target
    VICTORIA — British Columbia's independent representative for children and youth says the government's adoption campaign is on target to reach its goal of finding 300 families for kids and teens who need homes.

    B.C. Adoption Campaign On Target

    Mariner appeals conviction in fatal ferry sinking off B.C., cites judge's errors

    Mariner appeals conviction in fatal ferry sinking off B.C., cites judge's errors
    VANCOUVER — A defence lawyer says the judge overseeing the trial of a mariner who was navigating a passenger ferry when it sank off B.C. made several mistakes when instructing the jury.

    Mariner appeals conviction in fatal ferry sinking off B.C., cites judge's errors

    Palestinian attackers storm Jerusalem synagogue, killing 4; 1 Canadian wounded

    Palestinian attackers storm Jerusalem synagogue, killing 4; 1 Canadian wounded
    JERUSALEM — Two Palestinian cousins armed with meat cleavers and a gun stormed a Jerusalem synagogue during morning prayers Tuesday, killing four people in the city's bloodiest attack in years. Among the wounded was a Canadian.

    Palestinian attackers storm Jerusalem synagogue, killing 4; 1 Canadian wounded