Testicles and Stem Cells

Ronald Bailey | March 24, 2006

A new study in Nature reports that cells from the testes of mice can behave like embryonic stem cells. The AP reports:

Lab tests found that the mouse cells closely mimicked the behavior of embryonic stem cells, [one of the researchers, Dr. Gerd] Hasenfuss said Friday. He said he is optimistic about finding human testicular cells that will do the same. Work has already begun on that, he said.

If such cells are found in men, "then we have resolved the ethical problem with human embryonic stem cells," he said in a telephone interview.

One side benefit is that men would have their own ready supply of immune compatible stem cells for making new tissues and repairing damaged organs.

Here's hoping this research pans out.

Disclosure: If it does work, this will play hell with my shares of Geron stock.