Johns Hopkins researchers have successfully returned blood cells back to their original stem cell state.  The researchers have managed to created a “super efficient, virus-free way to make iPS cells, overcoming a persistent difficulty for scientists working with these cells in the laboratory. Generally, out of hundreds of blood cells, only one or two might turn into iPS cells. Using Zambidis’ method, 50 to 60 percent of blood cells were engineered into iPS cells.”

Stem cells can be turned into any other type of cell in the body.  They have traditionally been a very controversial issue as they can normally only be harvested in reasonable quantities from fetuses or umbilical cords.

Not anymore.