Stem cells 'created from teeth'
Japanese scientists say they have created human stem cells from tissue taken from the discarded wisdom teeth of a 10-year-old girl.
The researchers say their work suggests that wisdom teeth could be a suitable alternative to human embryos as a source for therapeutic stem cells.
Research involving stem cells is seen as having the potential to treat many life-threatening diseases.
But some people believe using human embryos is ethically controversial.
The researchers, based at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), say it will be at least five years before their findings result in practical medical applications.
Read the rest on stem cells from the BBC
The researchers say their work suggests that wisdom teeth could be a suitable alternative to human embryos as a source for therapeutic stem cells.
Research involving stem cells is seen as having the potential to treat many life-threatening diseases.
But some people believe using human embryos is ethically controversial.
The researchers, based at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), say it will be at least five years before their findings result in practical medical applications.
Read the rest on stem cells from the BBC
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