Financial Times FT.com

Skin cells turned directly into neurons

By Clive Cookson

Published: January 28 2010 02:00 | Last updated: January 28 2010 02:00

Stem cell scientists at Stanford University in California announced "a huge step forward" last night, with the publication of research that turned skin into nerve cells without any intermediate step.

The production of neurons [nerve cells] directly from other adult cells, without making stem cells en route, could transform "regenerative medicine" - providing a plentiful supply of neurons for treating people with degenerative brain diseases such as Parkinson's or those with spinal injuries.

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