Stem Cell Progress From Geron

Something good via Genetic Engineering News: human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) "can be differentiated into [hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs)], the cells which produce all of the cellular components of blood. When transplanted into immune deficient mice, the hESC-derived HSCs survive and establish multi-lineage hematopoiesis-producing human lymphocytes, red blood cells, and myeloid cells." In other words, "this work provides strong evidence that functional [blood] stem cells can be derived from human embryonic stem cells." Control over cellular differentiation is key to much of the future of regenerative cures for age-related disease. It is very gratifying to watch this important work progress, step by step.

Link: http://www.genengnews.com/news/bnitem.aspx?name=524246XSL_NEWSML_TO_NEWSML_WEB.xml