Japanese researchers say they have developed a method of culturing iPS cells without using materials made from animal tissue. They say their breakthrough will significantly reduce the risk of infection.
The team of researchers, including several from Kyoto and Osaka universities, used artificially synthesized protein and amino acid to grow the cells.
iPS cells, or induced pluripotent stem cells, can develop into any type of organ or tissue.
Scientists conventionally use cow's blood and mouse cells to produce the medium. But this approach carries the risk of infections if they are used in experiments on humans.
Source: NHK
