“Human blood stem cells have been made in a laboratory for the first time, which could significantly improve how we treat certain types of cancer,” reports New Scientist:
The lab-grown cells have so far only been tested in mice, but when infused into the animals, the cells became functional bone marrow at similar levels to those seen after umbilical cord blood cell transplants.
Treating cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma via radiation and chemotherapy can destroy the blood-forming cells in bone marrow. A stem cell transplant means that new, healthy bone marrow and blood cells can grow. Umbilical cords are a particularly rich source of stem cells, but donations are limited and the transplant can be rejected by the body.
The new method would allow researchers to produce stem cells from the actual patient, eliminating the supply issue and reducing the risk that their body would reject them.
In other news, scientists have engineered a virus to steal proteins from the HIV virus, which could potentially be used to eliminate AIDS.
A virus is being used to cure deafness in new gene therapy. Researchers also discovered that a plant virus could be used to save crops from root-eating pests.
Genetically-engineered skin bacteria keep some mosquitoes away. Scientists have genetically engineered a fly species to eat more waste. A genetically-modified chicken lays eggs that people allergic to eggs can eat.
Scientists have genetically engineered a cow that produces human insulin in its milk.
Genetic engineering recently produced bacon and pork that people who are allergic to red meat can eat.
A genetically-engineered apple doesn’t turn brown when you slice it, the way most apples do.
