Scientists convert human skin cells directly into brain cells

[IDemo]

Source: Medical News Today

By exposing skin cells to a particular combination of cell programming molecules, scientists managed to convert them into brain cells that behave like native cells.

The study is unusual because, unlike many cell conversion techniques, the cells did not return to a stem cell stage first - they converted directly into brain cells - thus avoiding the risk of producing many other types of cells.

And the study is unique, because the team managed to reprogram the skin cells to become a particular type of brain cell instead of a range of brain cells.

Writing in the journal Neuron, researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis (WUSTL), MO, report how they used a particular combination of microRNAs and transcription factors to reprogram the skin cells into a particular type of brain cell known as medium spiny neurons.

Read more: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/284377.php

[Turbineguy]

1. Giving hope to

Teabaggers.

If they could only realize it.

[cosmicone]

2. This is fascinating

because in an embryo, skin and brain cells come from the same primordial layer viz. ectoderm. Thus a minimal modification can convert them. I hope this same technique can be applied to convert liver cells into islet cells to help diabetics.

[IDemo]

4. That would be great

If they can also suppress the auto-immune response that kills those islet cells.

[get the red out]

3. Very cool!

Such wonderful breakthroughs happening lately.

[Botany]

5. Now who has lots of skin and little brains?

[lonestarnot]

6. Ackety. Will they think like that?

[Botany]

8. I will never understand how people of his district can vote for him?

Whatever it is in east Texas I just don't get it.

Rep. Louie Gohmert claimed during a radio interview yesterday that having gay people in
the U.S. military will weaken the armed forces because homosexual servicemen will be
giving massages.

http://www.opposingviews.com/i/religion/christianity/gays-will-weaken-us-military-massages-says-rep-louie-gohmert-video

[lonestarnot]

9. It's called Richie Rich's take down of democracy.

Money talks and bullshit walks, that and people are stupid.

[Helen Borg]

18. But you have to admit that he LOOKS very sharp :)

Ahahah!

[Cirque du So-What]

7. Explains a lot

I've long suspected that RWers have developed the ability to convert the skin surrounding their anuses directly into what passes for brain cells.

[Needa Moment]

13. ;p

[kelliekat44]

10. Giving hope to millions. Hope it can be reproduced over and over again. nt

[bananas]

11. New meaning to "Pinky and The Brain". nt

[A Simple Game]

14. Why else would the Brain keep Pinky around? n/t

[bananas]

12. This could solve the Zombie Apocalypse. nt

[Marrah_G]

20. Or start it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! n/t

[VWolf]

15. So if you're thick-skinned, then, logically, ....

you will become thick-headed?

[freshwest]

16. Aesthetic appeal of brain cells replacing skin? Will recipients look like gray matter?

Not that they'd be used that way IRL. Just new horror flick material. Yes, you're welcome.

[Helen Borg]

17. Replication will be key...

Before getting our hopes too high.

[yodermon]

19. Yeah but you look like this

[cyberpj]

21. LOL! Moisturize me!!

yodermon,
You have quite the quick wit...
Thinking of Lady Cassandra in relation to all of this.

Well done you.