Using liposection leftovers, scientists at Stanford University have found a way to transform globs of gluttonous fat into useful stem cells that may regenerate tissues.
“We’ve identified a great natural resource,” said Stanford co-author Dr. Michael Longaker, who refers to the fatty leftovers as “liquid gold,” according to a news release.
The human fat removed from patients during liposuction hide versatile cells that can be coaxed into induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPS cells, said scientists. The iPS cells are the ones used for research.
By reprogramming the adult cells to function like embryonic cells, say researchers, they can create cells lines to regenerate tissue or study specific diseases in the laboratory.
Recycling for science
As an added bonus, said scientists, they have found a way to recycle a rapidly growing natural resource.
“Thirty to 40 percent of adults in this country are obese,” said Dr. Joseph Wu, senior author and cardiologist at Stanford. “Not only can we start with a lot of cells, we can reprogram them much more efficiently.” Read the full article at Food Consumer