A new stem cell experiment could aid researchers in understanding more about brain injury, spinal chord injury and Alzheimer's disease after providing results contradictory to the widely-held belief amongst neurosurgeons that brain damage is permanent and irreversible. The study, published today by Cell Stem Cell, shows how a patient's own cells can be used as an alternative source of embryonic stem cells. While the team has been stunned by the significant improvements in patients, the study's lead author has noted he is cautious about 'overselling' the results while more research is needed to confirm the results.
A new stem cell experiment could aid researchers in understanding more about brain injury, spinal chord injury and Alzheimer's disease after providing results contradictory to the widely-held belief amongst neurosurgeons that brain damage is permanent and irreversible. The study also seeks to disprove the belief that the injected stem cells would become neurons and instead finds that the cells enhance the brains ability to repair itself. While the team has been stunned by the significant improvements in patients, the study's lead author has noted he is cautious about 'overselling' the results while more research is needed to confirm the results.