Editorial: “In praise of stem-cell simplicity“
BABIES with holes in their diaphragms could soon become the first humans treated with “spare parts” built from their own stem cells. The cells, taken from amniotic fluid, would be grown in the lab ready to be implanted when the baby is born.
If the trial goes ahead, it could be the start of an entirely new approach to treating congenital defects. What’s more, gene such as the one causing haemophilia could actually be treated while the baby is still inside the womb (see “Gene upgrade before birth”).
Common diaphragm …