Stem Cell Breakthrough for Nerve-related Diseases

Scientists have used stem cells and a potion of nerve-friendly chemicals to not just bridge a damaged spinal cord but actually re-grow the circuitry needed to move a muscle, helping partially paralyzed rats walk. The work marks a tantalizing new step in stem cell research that promises to one day help repair damage from nerve-destroying illnesses such as Lou Gehrig's disease, or from spinal cord injuries.

Investment plays might be Stemcells (STEM), Geron (GERN), Aastrom Bioscience (ASTM), and Viacells (VIAC).