Mother’ cells in the body of the baby? The research team that has found that the breast milk contains stem cells now notes that these cells pas to the neonates, at least in the mice. “The breast milk’s stem cells looks as if they are being incorporated and become functional cells” states Foteini Hassiotou, assistant professot at the University of West Australia.

It is yet unknown whether the same procedure takes place in the human body, because the experiment is difficult to be carried out due to ethical reasons. However the findings would be of great importance: the breast milk may be considered as a stem cells’ source for transplants cultivation and other therapeutic purposes. Moreover the breast milk’s stem cells have the extra advantage that have limited cell division and do not form tumors when being transplanted to experimental animals.

Source: ΒΗΜΑ Science