A More Updated Version -

[Guest guest]

In November 22, from The Scotsman.com and many others.

Stem Cell Research 'May Bring Deafness Cure'

By Lyndsay Moss, PA Health Correspondent

Scientists hope that stem cell research could lead to a cure for deafness in

as

little as 10 years,

it emerged today

Researchers from Sheffield University are using embryonic stem cells in

efforts

to grow new cells in

the inner ear.

Although still in its early stages, the team from Sheffield University hope

it

could lead to a cure

for deafness in the next 10 to 15 years.

Dr Marcelo Rivolta, from the university’s Institute of Molecular Physiology,

was

today outlining his

research at a conference organised by the Royal National Institute for Deaf

People (RNID).

Dr Rivolta said they were looking at stem cells harvested from two different

sources – human

embryonic stem cells and cells from the foetal cochlea.

He said during the 10 months of research conducted so far it had been shown

that

stems cells from

the sensory nerves could be regrown in the damaged area, potentially leading

to

the return of

hearing.

“It is a very challenging approach but we are confident it is possible and

the

potential for these

cells is there,” Dr Rivolta said.

Stem cell research has proved controversial, with some campaigners

condemning

the creation of human

embryos to harvest the stem cells, which have the potential to become any

kind

of tissue in the

body.

Dr Rivolta said they were still in the “very, very early stages” of their

research.

“We are very optimistic but still have a lot more work to do.

“We are still doing tests in-vitro, in the lab.

“We hope to do the first tests in animals in the next two years.

“It could then be possible to do human trials in three to four years, but

that

would depend on the

outcomes of the animal trials,” he said.

Last month researchers said that stem cells taken from the back of the eye

could

eventually be used

to restore normal vision in people with sight problems.

Scientists at the University of Toronto found that human retinal stem cells

regenerated when they

were transplanted into the eyes of mice and chicks.

The British Medical Association has called for controversial research on

human

embryos to be

extended.

The organisation said there were “very strong grounds” for the move which

could

help cure

life-threatening diseases.

But it said where possible adult, rather than embryonic, stem cells should

be

used.

[Guest guest]

In November 22, from The Scotsman.com and many others.

Stem Cell Research 'May Bring Deafness Cure'

By Lyndsay Moss, PA Health Correspondent

Scientists hope that stem cell research could lead to a cure for deafness in

as

little as 10 years,

it emerged today

Researchers from Sheffield University are using embryonic stem cells in

efforts

to grow new cells in

the inner ear.

Although still in its early stages, the team from Sheffield University hope

it

could lead to a cure

for deafness in the next 10 to 15 years.

Dr Marcelo Rivolta, from the university’s Institute of Molecular Physiology,

was

today outlining his

research at a conference organised by the Royal National Institute for Deaf

People (RNID).

Dr Rivolta said they were looking at stem cells harvested from two different

sources – human

embryonic stem cells and cells from the foetal cochlea.

He said during the 10 months of research conducted so far it had been shown

that

stems cells from

the sensory nerves could be regrown in the damaged area, potentially leading

to

the return of

hearing.

“It is a very challenging approach but we are confident it is possible and

the

potential for these

cells is there,” Dr Rivolta said.

Stem cell research has proved controversial, with some campaigners

condemning

the creation of human

embryos to harvest the stem cells, which have the potential to become any

kind

of tissue in the

body.

Dr Rivolta said they were still in the “very, very early stages” of their

research.

“We are very optimistic but still have a lot more work to do.

“We are still doing tests in-vitro, in the lab.

“We hope to do the first tests in animals in the next two years.

“It could then be possible to do human trials in three to four years, but

that

would depend on the

outcomes of the animal trials,” he said.

Last month researchers said that stem cells taken from the back of the eye

could

eventually be used

to restore normal vision in people with sight problems.

Scientists at the University of Toronto found that human retinal stem cells

regenerated when they

were transplanted into the eyes of mice and chicks.

The British Medical Association has called for controversial research on

human

embryos to be

extended.

The organisation said there were “very strong grounds” for the move which

could

help cure

life-threatening diseases.

But it said where possible adult, rather than embryonic, stem cells should

be

used.