Skin Cells Turned Embryonic

anik315 writes "Nature is reporting a major breakthrough in embryonic stem cell research. A straightforward procedure using mouse fibroblasts harvested from the skin can be used to produce pluripotent stem cells that can potentially become any other cell in the body. Not only can Yamanaka's method use the most basic cells, it can be accomplished with simple lab techniques. Possible applications of this breakthrough are to check molecular changes in cells as certain conditions develop. Stem cells produced using this procedure, however, can not be used safely to make genetically matched cells for transplant."

Re:I knew it..

[buswolley]

Downside: Now we can clone Cowboy Neal by sampling his keyboard.

Re:Next step: Embryos

[Anonymous Coward]

"Oh no, he's cut his skin. He's killing babies!"

and yet another demographic will hate emo kids.

Man or mouse?

[Maniakes]

A straightforward procedure using mouse fibroblasts harvested from the skin can be used to produce pluripotent stem cells [...] Stem cells produced using this procedure, however, can not be use to safely to make genetically matched cells for transplant.

I think I found the source of the problem.

Re:Ok, but

[Rob T Firefly]

Is there a word for biological vaporware ?

DeoxyriboNukemForever?

Re:Ok, but

[B3ryllium]

"Farts".

Or, I suppose, "FartWare".

Re:I knew it..

[edwardpickman]

Either that or you'll wind up cloning a Cheeto.

Re:Next step: Embryos

[Anonymous Coward]

Like insurance for your car.

heh, more like insurance for the garage.

Great.....Just Great.....

[IHC Navistar]

Now all we need is a bunch of over-religious nutters telling me that the skin on my ass is a child that hasn't been born, yet is entitled to all the rights of an individual.....

Maybe I'll even get to use the "Stem cells are people MY ASS!" line, and actually be correct on BOTH sides of the issue at the same time!