This seems likes interesting news:
Stem cell scientists have pinpointed a molecule that confers the cells with amazing powers of self-renewal and maintains their ability to develop into any other type of cell in the body.
The discovery could help pave the way for stem cells derived from adult tissues, giving ethical debates over the use of embryos a side-swerve.
The researchers induced mouse cells to produce extra quantities of [protein] Nanog. They showed when the Nanog cells were joined with cells previously destined to become nerves they were pushed back in time, regaining the ability to become other tissues. Dr Jose Silva told Reuters: “The effect of Nanog is remarkable. All the hybrid cells became fully converted to embryonic stem cells.”
On the other hand, FYI, there’s a connection between adult stem cells and cancer which probably explains why we have so few of them.