Stanford researcher Michael Longaker, MD, discusses research on coaching stem cells to become bone.
Stanford stem cell scientist and craniofacial surgeon Michael Longaker, MD, discusses research showing that embryonic-like (pluripotent) stem cells can successfully be coached by the body to become specific types of tissue--in this case, bone. Researchers have long worried that pluripotent stem cells might become teratomas--benign tumors--when implanted in the body, which would be a significant roadblock to the clinical use of stem cells. Dr. Longaker #39;s research suggests that this problem can be solved. The research was published in the November 19, 2012 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.From:stanfordmedicineViews:0 3ratingsTime:02:19More inScience Technology