Scientists have successfully used "reprogrammed" stem cells to restore functioning brain cells in monkeys, raising hopes the technique could be used in future to help patients with Parkinson's disease.
Since Parkinson's is caused by the loss of cells that produce dopamine, researchers have long hoped to use stem cells to restore normal production of the neurotransmitter.
Now, for the first time, Japanese researchers have shown that human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) can be administered safely and effectively to treat primates with symptoms of the debilitating disease.