Ball of Nerves

We have a lot of potential, but sometimes it needs unleashing – especially in our cells. The embryonic stem cells we develop from have the potential to become many different tissues, from nerve to skin to muscle and more. Imagine, then, if we could unlock that potential in ageing bodies. Here, researchers change the patterns of genes 'switched on' inside adult skin cells from a mouse, reprogramming them to behave more like a nerve cells [neurons]. They bathe the cells in a series of chemical cocktails that guide transcription factors inside the changing cells over 30 days. Growing these 'induced' neuron cells in 3D helps with their transformation – cells in these spheres send out glowing bursts of calcium, just like established neurons. Similar approaches might one day generate a fresh supply of neurons to help to treat neurodegenerative diseases in human patients.

Written by John Ankers

John Ankers

Writer

A former researcher in systems biology, John is now an online biology tutor and professional coach supporting the wellbeing of scientists and NHS professionals. He's writing, too, of course.

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• Video from work by Janko Kajtez & Kerstin Laurin, and colleagues
• Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Division of Neurobiology and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC A11, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
• Video originally published with a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)
• Published in Science Advances, June 2025