University of Adelaide researchers say they could be close to repairing stroke-damaged brains using stem cells taken from teeth, the Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported. The research involving dental-pulp stem cells is being done at South Australian University’s Centre for Stem Cell Research.
The procedure has been tested on animals, and scientists hope to conduct clinical trials in humans soon. The research has funding support from the Catholic Church because it does not destroy human embryos.
"Australian scientists are confirming what other researchers around the world are finding — adult stem cells offer the best hope for treating disease," said Dawn Vargo, bioethics analyst for Focus on the Family Action. "In this case, it looks like medical waste in the form of extracted teeth could have the healing properties to treat stroke patients."
— Danielle Hohncke
