Main Ingredient in Silly Putty Could Promote Stem Cell Growth

A team at University of Michigan, under the direction of Jianping Fu and his team, have been studying the growth of stem cells on different surfaces.  According to this article publshed in Science Daily, It was found in their study that the stem cells are depending on physical signals to initiate differentiation.  Polydimethylsiloxane, the main ingredient in Silly Putty, was used to create small carpets in which the team of scientists grew the stem cells on.  The stem cells had a large amount of differentiation when long fibers of polydimethylsiloxane were used.  The longer fibers made a softer "carpet" for the cells to grow on.  According to Fu this research will change a lot in the medical field.  Scientists will now be able to target when cells begin to differentiate and also produce more vital stem cells.  Many paralyzing diseases such as ALS cause damage to nerve cells in those who are affected.  This research could improve treatment for such diseases by creating a more efficient and reliable way to create more nerve cells in the patient's body.   Overall the research will open many new doors into studying embryonic/stem cells as well as new treatments for awful paralyzing diseases.  

I believe that this research is monumental in the medical world.  Stem cells, which are similar to embryonic cells, are lost as our bodies age.  These cells are extremely vital because they are not yet specified to have just one function.  Stem cells can then differentiate into cells need around the body such as muscle, nerve, etc.  Being able to regenerate those specific cells would be very useful in the medical field especially with diseases such as ASL.  ALS deriates and paralyzes the body, new research into repairing or creating new, pure differentiated cells, will ultimately save lives and further the research into curing such illnesses.