Durham opens stem cell labs

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Durham University has opened a trio of laboratories worth £3m to develop pioneering new stem cell therapies.

has opened a trio of laboratories worth £3m to develop pioneering new stem cell therapies.

The laboratories will be used to investigate the therapeutic potential of so-called ‘adult’ stem cells for medical issues such as wound healing and heart disease.

Durham stem cell scientists are currently working on projects that include using stem cells to generate artificial blood vessels for use in heart transplantation. They are also working on a project with Teesside-based Avecia to develop stem cell technology for use in wound healing, including burns to the skin.

Scientists from outside Durham will also be able to use the facilities to advance their work.

Stem cells are a special type of cell that has the ability to renew other cells in the body. Adult stem cells are found throughout the body and perform the everyday renewal of existing cells. More properly known as ‘somatic’ stem cells, they are present as soon as a baby is born.

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