Courtesy of Macropore
Adipose-derived stem cells stained with FITC conjugated CD90 (Thyl) antibody.
Embryonic stem cell research is proceeding apace in many nations but continues to face political and economic hurdles in the United States, despite California voters' approval of a $3 billion war chest for stem cell research conducted in that state. The reelection of President George W. Bush at the same time suggests that limitations on stem cell availability and research funds, at least from the US federal government, are likely to remain.
With many unknowns about both embryonic and adult stem cells, a potentially new type of stem cell, easily isolated from overly abundant fat tissue, may move the field ahead more quickly both in the United States and abroad. A handful of labs and biotechnology companies are working to exploit the potential of these adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs).
One company, San Diego-based Macropore Biosurgery, is developing ...
