Scientists at Keele University, in the UK, have recently used magnets to control stem cell movement and 'choose' what the stem cells transform into. Stem cells are known as 'empty cells,' as they have the ability to transform into essentially any cell in the body, if properly induced to do so. Alicia El Haj and her colleagues however, have created tiny magnetic beads (smaller than 2 micrometers) which attach to human mesenchymal stem cells. When a magnetic field is applied to an area, the stem cells are attractedto the area, and the beads, reacting to this force, open the pores of the cell it is attached to. This opening allows an influx of potassium ions into the cell, which produces many reactions, eventually deciding on what kind of tissue the cell will become. After a short period of time, the beads degrade and are excreted by the host.
Humans have not yet been tested with these stem cells, but it opens up the door of possibilities. Mice have been succesfully tested, with these stem cells being used to create cartilage , and El Haj and her team now plan to use the cells to repair knee joints in goats. So these modified stem cells have amazing possibilities, the idea that healing of injuries of many kinds will be faster and easier than ever before, and of course the issues with it; longer life expectancy, overpopulation, and 'genetically modified people'. In other words, no matter how beneficial these cells may be or become, the question that will continually arise is 'Should We?"
- http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20227044.500-magnetised-stem-cells-could-treat-arthritis.html
- http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/basics1.asp
