A team of research scientists at the University of Melbourne has pioneered a new technique using stem cells that could begin to the damage inflicted by Parkinson’s disease.

 

Drs Clare Parish and Lachlan Thompson lead the research from the Florey Neuroscience Institutes and the University of Melbourne. They are members of the newly established Stem Cells Australia collaboration launched at the University of Melbourne today.

 

Led by internationally renowned stem cell expert Professor Martin Pera and administered by the University of Melbourne, the Initiative links Australia’s leading experts in bioengineering, nanotechnology, stem cell biology, advanced molecular analysis and clinical research to solve some of the our biggest health challenges.

 

“Stem Cells Australia will not only play a major role in leading Australian research into stem cell science, it will help the Australian community to understand the impact of scientific breakthroughs in this fast-paced and fascinating field,” he said.

 

The research indicates that stem cell therapy could be used to repair the damage to the brain’s dopamine producing cells that form neurological pathways responsible for controlling movement.

 

Drs Parish and Thompson’s respective research groups have developed a novel technique using stem cells to replace the dopamine-producing brain cells.