Scientists guide stem cells through body

Researchers have developed injectable stem cells that can be guided through the body to damaged sites where bones need to be repaired. The new technology enables researchers to treat the patient's stem cells along with donor bone cells in the lab and give them a coating of minute magnetic particles. The combination is then injected into the patient's arm. Targeted magnetic fields can move these immature cells around the body, maneuvering them into position and encouraging them to grow new cartilage and bone. Keele scientists hope that their findings will make possible the treatment of injuries and arthritis without the need for invasive surgery, powerful drugs and biochemical triggers.