Piglet islet cells transplanted into pancreases have effectively treated diabetes in monkeys. The technique is now ready for early trials in humans. Add this study to the successful cure of juvenile diabetes in mice using spleen cells, and we may see that there are many hopeful approaches to regenerative medicine beyond embryonic stem cells or cloning.
Once again, the importance of animals in medical research is also illustrated by this story. Not only because piglet tissues are used, but also the testing in mice and monkeys. This could not happen with mere cell lines or computer programs.
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