The following is part of a news report on the latest stem cell research facts. A team of researchers from MIT has developed a new technology that could allow scientists to create specific types of cells from embryonic stem cells. This is also known in the public arena as genetic engineering, cloning processes and research into the human genome. This technological advance has very important implications for the creation of organs for transplant and for other applications within the biotechnology field.

Scientists have managed to identify a simple method for the production of pure populations of specific cells through stem cells. Some of the cells can even be used in the production of synthetic skin.

For a long time the potential of embryonic stem cells has been known and their ability to form other specialized cells as well. In fact, they can form all of the different cell types of the body. The current challenge for researchers is how to turn this potential into results. Many factors influence the behavior of embryonic stem cells, amongst them in materials used in the cultivation of cells outside the body. Current stem cell research is focused on this topic.

Up till now, scientists have not had a quick and easy way to assess how a material will affect any cells behavior. However, the new technology developed by the MIT team is not only quick but also allows scientists to carry out tests with hundreds of thousands of different materials at the same time, through a miniaturization of the process.

This new technology is robotic and deposits more than 1500 points of biomaterial on a sheet under a microscope which measures only 50 MM. 20 of these sheets can be prepared in a day. On exposure to UV radiation, the points become part and ready to be implanted into embryonic stem cells. After this each micro sample can be put in different solutions and under different conditions of incubation period.

Another advantage of this innovative method is that it works with a small number of embryonic stem cells. The production of the cells is very costly and work intensive.