DAVID WAHLBERG
Using stem cells from monkeys with a condition like Parkinsonâs disease, UW-Madison researchers grew brain cells that produce a chemical depleted by the disease. When they injected the cells into the monkeysâ brains, the animalsâ Parkinsonâs-like rigid movements were replaced by more fluid walking and climbing.
LOGAN WROGE, STATE JOURNAL
The results are promising enough that the researchers hope to begin work on applications for human patients soon, said UWâMadison neuroscientist Su-Chun Zhang, whose Waisman Center lab grew the brain cells.
âThis result in primates is extremely powerful, particularly for translating our discoveries to the clinic,â Zhang, senior author of the study published this month in the journal Nature Medicine, said in a statement.