New research shows that horses suffering from neurological conditions similar to those that affect humans could be helped by a break recently made by stem cell scientists.
More stem cell research to benefit horses
Researchers who are the first to create working nerve cells from horse stem cells say the advance may pave the way for cell therapies that target conditions similar to motor neuron disease.
Researchers who are the first to create working nerve cells from horse stem cells say the advance may pave the way for cell therapies that target conditions similar to motor neuron disease.
The research could also benefit horses affected by grass sickness, a neurological condition that affects around 600 horses a year in the UK.
Little is known about the disease, which causes nerve damage throughout the body. It is untreatable and animals with the most severe form usually die or have to be put down.
The advance by the University of Edinburgh's Roslin Institute will provide a powerful tool for those studying horse diseases. It will also help scientists to test new drugs and treatments.