1cooldude
April 2nd, 2009, 08:27 PM
Pioneering research has taken the first step towards curing deafness with stem cells grown in the laboratory.
http://i40.tinypic.com/2rxxkk3.jpg
Stem cell science has caused controversy because human fetuses are used
Early versions of the sensory hair cells and neurons essential for hearing were made from stem cells taken from the human inner ear.
Scientists hope further work will lead to fully functional cells that could be used to treat total hearing loss.
The British-led team have now started the next stage of conducting research on animals.
Practical deafness treatments are believed to be at least 10 years away. But the cells could also provide useful tools for studying the causes of deafness and testing new drugs.
Lead researcher Dr Marcelo Rivolta said: "The potential of stem cells is very exciting. We have now an experimental system to study genes and drugs in a human context."
Stem cell research
Stem cells are immature cells, mostly found in embryos and foetuses, that can develop along a number of different pathways.
Those used in the new research were isolated from the developing cochleas of discarded human foetuses aged nine to 11 weeks.
The research, reported in the journal Stem Cells, was funded by the Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID) and the charity Deafness Research UK.
David McAlpine, professor of auditory neuroscience and director of the ear institute at University College London, said: "Is this the ultimate upgrade for the iPod generation?
"The possibility of regenerating the sensory cells of the inner ear, so easily damaged by exposure to loud sound, has just moved a step closer.
"If scientists can find out ways to deliver new cells to the inner ear, and wire them up correctly, then "plug and play" hearing could be the future."
"It is not one or other that is required, but both world class science coupled to true translation, if we are to one day cure the millions of people who suffer with deafness."
Source... (http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Health/Deafness-Cure-Stem-Cells-Used-To-Grow-Sensory-Hair-Cells-And-Neurons-Essential-For-Hearing/Article/200904115254320?lpos=Health_Third_Home_Page_Articl e_Teaser_Region__3&lid=ARTICLE_15254320_Deafness_Cure%3A_Stem_Cells_U sed_To_Grow_Sensory_Hair_Cells_And_Neurons_Essenti al_For_Hearing)
http://i40.tinypic.com/2rxxkk3.jpg
Stem cell science has caused controversy because human fetuses are used
Early versions of the sensory hair cells and neurons essential for hearing were made from stem cells taken from the human inner ear.
Scientists hope further work will lead to fully functional cells that could be used to treat total hearing loss.
The British-led team have now started the next stage of conducting research on animals.
Practical deafness treatments are believed to be at least 10 years away. But the cells could also provide useful tools for studying the causes of deafness and testing new drugs.
Lead researcher Dr Marcelo Rivolta said: "The potential of stem cells is very exciting. We have now an experimental system to study genes and drugs in a human context."
Stem cell research
Stem cells are immature cells, mostly found in embryos and foetuses, that can develop along a number of different pathways.
Those used in the new research were isolated from the developing cochleas of discarded human foetuses aged nine to 11 weeks.
The research, reported in the journal Stem Cells, was funded by the Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID) and the charity Deafness Research UK.
David McAlpine, professor of auditory neuroscience and director of the ear institute at University College London, said: "Is this the ultimate upgrade for the iPod generation?
"The possibility of regenerating the sensory cells of the inner ear, so easily damaged by exposure to loud sound, has just moved a step closer.
"If scientists can find out ways to deliver new cells to the inner ear, and wire them up correctly, then "plug and play" hearing could be the future."
"It is not one or other that is required, but both world class science coupled to true translation, if we are to one day cure the millions of people who suffer with deafness."
Source... (http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Health/Deafness-Cure-Stem-Cells-Used-To-Grow-Sensory-Hair-Cells-And-Neurons-Essential-For-Hearing/Article/200904115254320?lpos=Health_Third_Home_Page_Articl e_Teaser_Region__3&lid=ARTICLE_15254320_Deafness_Cure%3A_Stem_Cells_U sed_To_Grow_Sensory_Hair_Cells_And_Neurons_Essenti al_For_Hearing)