Dr. Darja Marolt

A study recently published in the online edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
has shown that human embryonic stem cells can be used to grow bone tissue grafts for potential research and therapeutic applications. Dr. Darja Marolt of The New York Stem Cell Foundation implanted bone progenirots derived from human embryonic stems cells into mice. Over time the implanted bone tissue continued to develop into normal bone structure without any incidence of tumor growth.

The research marks a significant step toward using stem cells in therapies to repair or replace bone tissue. Patients who have suffered traumatic injuries (including wounded soldiers) and patients with birth defects could all potentially benefit from this treatment. 

-Chris Wiltz