Scientist have Created Intestine by Using Stem Cell Technology
A group of scientists at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center has revealed that they have created a fully functioning intestine by using the stem cell technology. The exciting news that was published in the journal Nature on December 19, 2010, is one of many revolutionary breakthroughs lately. One week earlier, the German researchers have revealed that the so-called Berlin patient is the first person to be cured of HIV infection by using stem cell technology as well.
The researchers at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center have said that the intestine they have created in laboratory was able to absorb the nutrients and released substances that aid in digestion and food processing. The intestine that was created from stem cells was also able to defend itself from harmful bacteria. This means that the created intestine was functioning just like the real intestine. The creation of first functioning intestine by using stem cell technology implies that the same procedure might be someday used in medicine to transplant new intestinal tissue.
The news of creation of a fully functioning intestine from stem cells as well as the news of the use of stem cell technology as a potential cure for HIV/AIDS has thrilled the Emerging Healthcare Solutions Inc. (EHSI). The president and CEO of the company Cindy Morrissey has compared the discoveries with science fiction coming true. She also said that every major breakthrough such as those mentioned above results in increased demand for stem cell treatments worldwide.
The EHSI is a Houston based company that invests in stem cell technology. The company has gained Celulas Genetica, the leading developer of stem cell technology in Central America recently and also opened their offices in Western and Central Europe including Frankfurt (Germany) and Warsaw (Poland) with an aim to remain in contact with some of the leading stem cell research centers in this part of Europe.