Scientists report that they have used a cellular reprogramming methodology to allow the creation of neural networks that reproduce unique characteristics of human cells—different from those obtained from rodent cells—with temporary dynamics that recall human brain development.
The researchers, who published their study (“Long-term Calcium Imaging Reveals Functional Development in iPSC derived Cultures Comparable to Human but not Rat Primary Cultures”) in Stem Cells Reports, believe cellular models based on reprogrammed human cells could boost the development of novel therapies in the fight against neuropathies while simultaneously reducing the use of animals in the lab.
