Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Boy Receives Pioneering Stem Cell Surgery









In order to rebuild the windpipe of a 10 year old boy, whose name is not mentioned, British and Italian doctors have performed an impressive stem cell surgery, using stem cells developed from this boy's own body. This boy was born with a deadly condition known as
long segment tracheal stenosis, which means that this kid had a tiny wind pipe that would not grow- kind of like breathing through a straw. This boy's condition deteriorated in November even though he has gone through many treatments. So, his doctors contacted Professor Paolo Macchiarini, a stem cell pioneer at the Careggi University Hospital in Florence. A Cardiothoracic surgeon professor said that the boy is recovering well so far. "The child is extremely well. He's breathing completely for himself and speaking, and he says it's easier for him to breathe than it has been for many years," the professor said.

For those who don't know, stem cells are cells that maintain the ability to replicate themselves as well as form other cells of the body. Many scientists and people have put in a lot of effort and money into the research of stem cells. It is amazing how some stem cell surgeries have gone well. I hope, personally, that the science in stem cells improves greatly. This will probably be able to cure many diseases because they'll be able to replace organs that don't function properly. And once this becomes reality, the human life span will probably increase.



























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