U-M creates 5 new iPS cell lines without killing human embryos

On July 25, the University of Michigan announced it had created 5 new induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell lines from adult cells. Induced pluripotent stem cells have the same properties as embryonic stem cells but can be created without destroying human embryos. This promising field of research shows human embryos don't need to be killed in the search for cures.

Though iPS cells have been developed during the last year or more at U-M, this is the first time the consortium has consistently sustained and coaxed the iPS cells into different cell types — a leap forward as the state positions itself in the growing field of biotechnology and stem cell research.

Three of the first five lines were derived from donors with bipolar disorder. Those lines will be used to study the condition.

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