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Creating stem cells from skin cells
Researchers have succeeded in making human embryonic stem cells that are genetically matched to a living person.
Obtain cells
Obtain egg
Combine
Create stem cells
Grow other cells
The result
Transplant into patient
Obtain cells
Obtain skin cells from patient requiring treatment.
Obtain egg
Obtain an unfertilized egg cell from a donor and remove its nuclear DNA.
Combine
Insert patient’s skin cell within cell membrane of donor’s egg cell.
Create stem cells
Researchers prompt egg cell to divide and grow into an early embryo, which is converted into embryonic stem cells.
Grow other cells
Stem cells are used to grow other cells.
The result
The process can be used to produce new nerve, heart, liver and other cells.
Transplant into patient
New tissues can be transplanted into a patient without risk of rejection.
