Stem Cells in Breastmilk

We knew that breastmilk is a marvellous resource, and we knew that it was "alive" in that it contains living cells which are used to boost the baby's health. But now there are reports that breastmilk also contains cells which are like Stem Cells - the vital building blocks which are so useful in current research, and hold hopes for a cure for many diseases. More work is needed before this becomes clear.


Here's a link to the original report on Dr Cregan's research findings, from a conference in 2008.
Also links to info on Dr Cregan - here; his University page, and the Lactation Biology Research

It seems that the cells found in breastmilk are responding to markers applied in the lab in the same way that Stem Cells do. So, in other words, at the moment it has simply been shown that they have some qualities in common, but we don't yet know if this will be of use.

Later reports on the matter can be read here:

• suite 101, Feb 2008
• life ethics blog, Feb 2008
  

• Natural News, March 2008
  
• Independant, UK November 2009

You may well notice (in the various comments attached to the articles) that some scientists are sceptical the research is going to live up to the hype.