A British company says that it has managed to transform white blood cells into stem cells, thus removing the need for highly controversial embryonic stem cells. Researchers at TriStem, which is based in London, say that they have managed to turn white blood cells into stem cells found in bone marrow. The researchers then injected the cells into mice, where they reportedly matured into a number of different blood cells. Full results of the study are expected to be published in a peer-reviewed journal in March 2004. TriStem is now planning human trials of the technique. The company has been given permission by the British government to test the technique on a dozen patients with a bone marrow disorder called aplastic anemia.
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Reported by New Scientist on the 22nd November 2003.
