New cell harvesting technique could boost spinal injury treatmentRSS Feed

Scientists are hopeful that isolated brain cells could help with spinal cord injury treatment.

Neuroscientists from the University of Rochester Medical Center have established a way of isolating neural stem cells capable of renewing themselves and transforming into a number of different types of brain cell.

Isolating cells has previously proved a challenge for scientists, but this new technique developed by scientists led by Steven Goldman could have major implications for enabling stem cells to live up to their billing.

Commenting on the study, which was published in the Journal of Neuroscience, lead researcher Professor Goldman explained: "While the general signalling pathways active in mice and people are very similar, the individual genes are quite different.

"It's a good demonstration that you can't use mouse studies to fully dictate what kinds of therapeutics should be used in people."

Recent research by Gothenburg University scientists demonstrated that stem cells can be grown to help regenerate discs damaged by spinal injury.

Serious Law, leading spinal cord injury solicitors

Posted by Timothy Walters

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