Science | April 21, 2009 | 9 comments

Magnets + stem cells = treatment for arthritis

source: http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20227044.500-magnetised-stem-cells-could-treat-arthrit...

Image
Skyscraper08
From New Scientist article:

MAGNETS are being used to control the transformation of stem cells into specific tissues. They could also be used to guide stem cells to target locations in the body, allowing arthritic joints and torn cartilage, for example, to be repaired without surgery.

Alicia El Haj of Keele University, UK, and her colleagues have created magnetic beads up to 2 micrometres across that bind to receptors on human mesenchymal stem cells, which are extracted from bone marrow or fat tissue. When a magnetic field is applied, the beads move, deforming the surface of the cells and forcing open its pores. The resulting influx of potassium ions sets in motion a cascade of reactions inside the cell that determine what kind of tissue it will turn into.
  1. groups:
    Science,   Health
  2. tags:
    Health,  Science,  Research,  2009,  3 more
  3.     
    |

9 comments // Magnets + stem cells = treatment for arthritis

  • nursediesel
    • 0
      nursediesel  

    • I bought into stem cell research when I first read about it.They can do autocell stem cells which would be great for any people who may have problems accepting these cells grown from other sources.
      This is amazing. To get them right where they are needed!
      I knew they'd never have a cure for neurological damage before my dad died but there may be hope for the future.
      Thanks for the good news.

    • 3 years ago
  • Skyscraper08
  • Melk
  • futuregen
    • 0
      futuregen  
    • Image

    • Light therapy is the most moral and ethical way to treat disease. Can stimulate regeneration of tissue. Also treats the ethereal body. We need to get a way from radiation (which kills) and into light (which heals). Try to get your own unit (i.e. don't depend on someone else to treat you). This is the best unit on the market. You can get 1-4 laser beams but all you need is one (the cheapest model, around $6,000).

    • 3 years ago
  • keviar
    • 0
      keviar  
    • futuregen:

      learn some basic science buddy.

      Do you know what the electromagnetic spectrum is?

      Light is also a form of radiation to put it in simple terms.
      AKA electromagnetic radiation

    • 3 years ago
  • USWGO
    • 0
      USWGO  

    • This is great, we need to help those including me that are suffering with health problems.

      We need to unify together and start discussing the most moral and ethical approaches to help cure all health problems while making sure Big Pharmacies don't interrupt us because they don't care about our health anymore, they don't care if millions die from diabetes unless they lose money.

    • 3 years ago
  • CarolynGillis
  • Jake_Leonard
    • 0
      Jake_Leonard  

    • It's a shame this didn't start twenty or so years ago when it would be potentially mainstream now. My dad is scheduled for a complete knee replacement due to no ACL, barely any if no cartilage and severe arthritis...

    • 3 years ago
  • iemitremmusi
more from Science:
from the community

top videos