Scientists progress Parkinson's stem cell research

Scientists say they have taken an important step forward in their quest to develop a viable stem cell treatment for Parkinson's disease.

The researchers say the may have identified the ideal time at which human embryonic stem cells should be collected for transplantation as part of treatment for the condition, according to data presented at Neuroscience 2008, the 38th annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience.

Cells they have identified will now be tested for their ability to counteract Parkinson's in animals.

Dr Lorraine Iacovitti, leader of the research team, said they had been able to show that neurons can be grown and selected without the need to use synthetic genes.

"This advance represents an important leap forward in the quest to devise a viable cell replacement therapy for Parkinson's disease," the expert added.

A separate study published last month in Chemistry Centre Journal claimed that people who drink wine regularly may be at an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease.

Researchers based their conclusions on the finding that many wines contain relatively high levels of metals which could be harmful to health over time.

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