Surprising Science — November 22, 2010

Stem Cell Eye Treatments

Blind patients suffering from a type of eye disease that strikes in childhood will become the second group of people in the world to receive stem cells left over from fertility treatment.

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The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given the go-ahead for the controversial transplant of embryonic stem cells into the eyes of patients with Stargardt’s macular degeneration, where the light-sensitive retina cells at the back of eye are destroyed. The announcement follows the first injection of embryonic stem cells into a patient in the US who is partially paralysed as a result of a spinal cord injury. Last October, a US biotechnology company, Geron, announced the start of the first clinical trial of embryonic stem cells with the hope of repairing damaged nerves.

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Surprising Science

Breakthrough treatment may cure 50% of all cases of blindness

Half of all blindness in humans is due to macular degeneration. There looks to be a cure.

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Scientists Attempt to Reanimate the Brain Dead — What Could Go Wrong?

Scientists will combine stem cells, lasers, and other techniques to (hopefully) reanimate the brain stems of 20 brain dead patients. The technique has promise, and perhaps unforeseen pitfalls.

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Baby Teeth May Hide the Secret of Living Healthy Forever

Advancements in stem cells, along with 3D printing technology, have applications in cosmetic safety testing, drug discovery and testing, organ and tissue printing, instant diagnosis and treatment, and so much more. Scientists recently found that baby teeth contain stem cells which can soon be used in these healthcare applications.

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New Stem Cell-Derived Cells Could Treat Alzheimer’s

A new type of cell created from existing mouse and human embryonic stem cell lines are beginning to show promise in treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

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Stem Cells Restore Vision to the Blind

In a preliminary study, two patients have reported better vision after doctors injected stem cells into their eyes. The study is set to be expanded, using larger doses of stem cells.

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