Japanese scientists discover new speedy way to create stem cells

Japanese scientists say they have developed a new way of making stem cells which could bring in an age of ‘personalised medicine.’

The research team at the Riken Centre for Developmental Biology in Japan showed that stem cells could be created by putting ordinary blood cells in acid which ‘shocks’ them into becoming stem cells.

Stem cells are able to transform into any tissue and are already being trialled for healing the eye, heart and brain.

Until now stem cells were either controversially harvested from human embryos or genetically reprogrammed adult cells which often took weeks and had a low success rate.

Scientists say they can’t quite believe that something as simple as applying acid could have this affect and say that personalised reprogrammed cell therapies for cancer could now be around the corner.