“Molecular beacons”, which light up when they bind to mRNA, allow scientists to watch stem cells as they turn into tissue cells.
The use of molecular beacons in stem cell research is an important innovation because they enable scientists to look at genes without affecting or altering the development or function of the cells.
The beacons thereby enable scientists to monitor timing and transformation of stem cells to bone cells.
The technology is useful in aiding tissue engineering and gene expression studies and could lead to potential breakthroughs in tissue healing.
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