Seaweed Curbs Stem Cell Tumors

In Australia, where the debate on stem cell research is nearly as heated as in the United States, scientists have discovered a way to use seaweed to overcome one of the most worrisome potential side-effects of stem cell therapies: tumor formation.

From the Sydney Morning Herald:

"Our breakthrough removes what could have been a stumbling block to this vital research," said Bernie Tuch, director of the Diabetes Transplant Unit at the University of New South Wales.

Professor Tuch said the seaweed shells had tiny pores which allowed nutrients to enter and reach the cells so they could grow, but the holes were too small for immune cells to enter.

"So encapsulation also offers the advantage of preventing rejection of the cells," he said.

The scientists transplanted human and mouse embryonic stem cells into mice to test their theory. They published their work in the journal Transplantation. The researchers have also presented the work to a committee, which eventually led to the Aussie Senate passing legislation to lift a ban on therapeutic cloning.

The science involved is kind of weird. They enclose the stem cells inside a capsule made from seaweed extraxt, and somehow the stem cells can still differentiate into various types of cells. And no one seems to know why it works.

Thanks, Steven!