Scientists in Japan have discovered that they can create stem cells by exposing blood cells to acid.

Scientists in Japan have discovered that they can create stem cells by exposing blood cells to acid.

Stem cells are desirable in a variety of applications as they’re in their early formative stages and their type isn’t fixed, allowing them to conform to multiple environments and uses.

Mature cells have absolute identities as being muscle, liver, or nerve cells, limiting how and where they can be incorporated into the body’s systems.

Embryos are a common source for stem cells, however, their harvesting and use has quite a few detractors who challenge the morality of the practice.

This latest research could cool that often heated debate by supplying a more neutral source.

It could also make their production faster, safer, and less expensive.

Said one of the scientists, "It's exciting to think about the new possibilities these findings offer us, not only in regenerative medicine, but cancer as well."

At this time the transformation has only been confirmed in the cells of mice, but trials using human blood cells are underway.
Some experts aren’t hopeful, noting that many procedures that are possible in mice don’t work in humans.