Functioning cardiac cells have been created from mouse skin cells reprogrammed to have the same unlimited differentiation characteristics of embryonic stem cells, say researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles.  This is the first study to show that induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, which don't involve the use of embryos or eggs, can be directed to develop into the three types of cardiovascular cells needed to repair the heart and blood vessels, the researchers said.  The finding could help lead to new treatments for heart attack, heart failure and atherosclerosis.  The study was published online in the May 1 issue of Stem Cells.

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