University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers report they have found a way to further purify adult stem cells, taking scientists a step closer to the day when such stem cells could potentially be used to treat people with chronic ailments.
A team of scientists working in the laboratory of Jamie Thomson found a way to reprogram skin cells to an embryonic-like state without leaving behind genetic remnants, which can interfere with basic research by leading to mutations. The UW-Madison researchers are believed to be the first to accomplish this feat, which was reported in Thursday’s online edition of the journal Science.