One of the main challenges of modern medicine is to find specific cells capable of adapting to infectious agents in order to destroy them. With this in mind, scientists from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles are experimenting with new ways to make huge amounts of a type of stem cell. Clinical trials are still ongoing, but the team was confident.
The study involved sending stem cells aboard the international space station to measure their rate of multiplication. The cells would be able to replicate virtually any other kind of cell within the body.
Dr. Joseph Wu, Director of Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, took part in the research. If the test results are promising, a new method of treating type 1 diabetes may be developed.
A study in space to overcome terrestrial problems
This experiment is the latest study that aims to ship stem cells outside of Earth. One of the advantages being to circumvent the terrestrial difficulties related to the mass multiplication of cells. It should be noted that in the past, similar projects studied the impact of extraterrestrial travel on the cells of the organism. Others aimed to better understand conditions like cancer.
In addition, ancient researches from the United States, China and Italy have sent various kinds of stem cells into space. The studies carried out during these expeditions were mainly related to consequences of microgravity on the activity of the heart.
“Pushing back the impossible in this way allows you to acquire knowledge. So we are making progress and we are learning. »
Clive Svendsen, executive director of the Institute for Regenerative Medicine at Cedars-Sinai
The apps on the macular degeneration and Parkinson’s disease?
The few reliable stem cell products contain hematopoietic cells for lymphoma patients. Unfortunately, no studies have yet confirmed the effectiveness of this treatment on this type of condition.
However, clinical experiments targeting conditions such as macular degeneration and Parkinson’s disease continue to be carried out.
“There is no certified treatment based on this type of stem cells sent into space, let alone others derived from them. »
Jeffrey Millman, biomedical engineering expert at Washington University in St. Louis
SOURCE: PHYS.ORG