‘Bite’through in stem cell research

12:08pm Thursday 30th August 2007

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THE tooth fairy could be out of a job as more parents are sending their children's milk teeth to a new laboratory in Daresbury with the hope that one day they may be lifesavers.

A new method of extracting stem cells is being developed at the laboratory where dentist David James has bought the patent to the revolutionary technique.

The extraction of stem cells has been a highly controversial issue because in the past human embryos have been used.

Many scientists have refused to be involved in the valuable research for moral and ethical reasons.

But now an American cellular biologist, Dr Shi, has discovered stem cells in the milk tooth of his daughter.

His discovery was a major medical breakthrough, as the cells in baby teeth are easier to extract and grow.

Now stem cells from all over the world are being harvested in laboratories run by Bioeden in Daresbury.

"I was fascinated to think that this research could lead to treatment for many diseases like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, juvenile diabetes, spinal cord injury, heart disease and even cancer," said David, from Willaston, near Wirral.

The system allows parents to have insurance policies for their children's future health.When a tooth falls out it must be kept in a glass of chilled milk which acts as a nutrient to keep the cells alive and then couriered to the lab within 48 hours.

"We've had teeth arriving from Kuwait, India and Italy and that's why we chose Daresbury for its proximity to two airports," said David.

The medics inject the tooth with a special solution to isolate the cells.

They are then are allowed to grow to ensure they are healthy stem cells.

These are put into two vials and frozen in liquid nitrogen - one set is stored in Daresbury and the other in a secret lab for security purposes.

They are stored until the child needs them to treat a disease they may develop as a grown up.

There is no risk of rejection because the cells are taken from the person's own body.

Many parents from the medical professions have already enrolled their children into the scheme The venture has also been put to MPs who will be discussing the prospect of creating a national scheme with Government backing. joanna.lean@guardiangrp.co.uk