For years, ethical issues hampered progress in stem cell research. Now, experts believe that developments in reprogrammed ‘iPS’ cells will truly revolutionise the treatment of life-threatening illnesses.

It is unclear at exactly what point the phrase “stem cell” entered the vernacular, one of very few scientific terms that achieve the status of, say, DNA in not requiring a detailed explanation every time it is written down or spoken.

Stem cells can be used to heal the damage in the brain caused by Parkinson’s disease, according to scientists in Sweden.

They said their study on rats heralded a ‘huge breakthrough’ towards developing effective treatments.

There is no cure for the disease, but medication and brain stimulation can alleviate symptoms.

Parkinson’s UK said there were many questions still to be answered before human trials could proceed.

Rafael Nadal is to receive stem cell treatment on his ailing back in Barcelona next week. The doctor of the 14-times grand slam winner said on Monday: “We are going to put cells in a joint in his spine.”

Angel Ruíz-Cotorro, who has worked as a doctor for Nadal for the past 14 years, said Nadal’s back pain is typical of tennis players and the treatment is meant to help repair cartilage and is similar to stem cell treatment Nadal received on his knee last year. He is expected to return to training in early December.

A stem cell therapy has been approved for widespread medical use in the EU for the first time.

Stem cells can become any type of tissue in the body and hold huge promise in medicine.

The treatment – Holoclar – is used to treat a rare eye condition that can lead to blindness. It works in around 80% of cases.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) said the move represented a “major step forward” for the field.

Times Online (New Zealand)

Three-year-old Jordan Payne doesn’t know it yet, but one day he could well be the key to saving his brother’s life.

Jordan’s older brother Tayler has cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic condition that thickens the body’s mucus and blocks tiny tubes in various organs.  To keep Tayler’s airways clear, prevent lung damage and reduce infection, he requires regular physiotherapy.

StemCellResearchNews.com

“Researchers have used rare stem cells derived from human cord blood to generate heart muscle-like cells, a technique that could provide an effective way to repair damage from heart attacks.

The study… found that it is possible to expand up to seven-fold… rare CD133+ stem cells from human cord blood and then grow them into cardiac muscle cells.”

Daily Express

A new technique, which uses stem cells, could help women regrow their breasts after cancer surgery.

Experts in the UK and Melbourne University in Australia say that the new breasts look natural and feel soft to touch and are much more comfortable than silicone implants.