Scientists Turn Stem Cells Into Neurons

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Researchers at the University of Wisconsin, Madison reported Sunday that they've whipped up an exciting -- but intricate -- new recipe that could someday treat spinal cord injuries or provide a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Step one: Take human embryonic stem cells, the microscopic dots that have brought condemnation from the pope, opposition from the president and people generally opposed to abortion. Add pinches of chemicals, dashes of other biological ingredients implicated in brain growth at just the right moment and voila: brain cells called motor neurons that control every body movement.

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