Mice from Skin

Skin cells have been reprogramed into cells capable of growing into living, breathing mice.  The induced pliripotent stem cells (or IPS cells) used in the study are similar to embryonic stem cells, which have the ability to become any type of tissue in the body, giving scientists and doctors hope of re-growing lost limbs and growing new organs for transplant.  Although the early results for IPS cells have been promising, there are still many unanswered questions before tests with humans can begin.  Regardless, IPS cells are giving scientists new hope in overcoming some of the more controversial issues of using embryonic stem cells.

Image: "Happy Lunar New Year of the Mouse" by be khe on Flickr via Creative Commons licensing.