Two separate teams at Cambridge and Oxford universities have discovered a type of embryonic stem cell in mice which is strikingly similar to human embryonic stem cells. The findings, published in the journal Nature, could help turn cells into treatment for an array of ailments like diabetes, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s disease and cystic fibrosis, without the use of human embryos.

The new cells derived from mice are called EpiSCs (post-implantation epiblast-derived stem cells). They have a similar growth model, pattern of gene expression and cell surface markers like human cells. And they are pluripotent too. Both the Cambridge and Oxford scientists have come up with identical results thereby adding weight to the findings.

The new type of stem cell named “epiblast stem cells”, were taken from the rodent embryos at a slightly later stage of its development than previous rodent embryonic stem cells.

Human embryonic stem cells have exceptional value to researchers because they can be modified to any form of tissue that is found in the body.

Many with religious convictions oppose experimenting on and then destroying human life, even if it may offer potentially life-saving treatments.

As the rodent embryonic stem cells looked very similar to human ones experts say they could dramatically speed up research.

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