Tissue hopes from stem cell pioneers

NEW insight into what stem cells are and how they behave could help scientists grow cells for different tissues.

An Edinburgh University study has shown embryonic stem cells switch back and forth between different cell types.

The findings could help scientists catch embryonic stem cells at exactly the right point when they are primed to differentiate into cells that form specific tissues.

Dr Josh Brickman, from the university's Medical Research Council Centre for Regenerative Medicine, said: "This changes our view of what embryonic stem cells are and how they behave.

"Knowing they can switch between different founder cell types could help us isolate cells at a point in time when they are primed to become specific cells.

"This could improve the ability to produce specific cells in the laboratory."