Further advancing research done by British scientist John Gurdon, Japanese researcher Shinya Yamanak co-received the Nobel Prize for physiology/medicine this year. According to to the Associated Press, “By sprinkling four genes on ordinary skin cells, Yamanaka discovered a virtual fountain of youth for cells:
Any type of cell, he found, could be reverted to a young, embryonic state. These ‘induced’ embryonic cells behave much like the ethically contentious stem cells gleaned from human embryos. They can be grown into many other types of tissues but without having to destroy any embryos.” These studies could have affects on a multitude of diseases and medications in the coming years, but may also have an affect on the skincare and cosmetic aesthetics industries as well. We’ll have to see what happens!
