Experts at a north-east university have received �500,000 for research which could offer new hope for treatments and cures for many common diseases. The Durham University funding from the UK Research Council is part of a �16.5m investment in stem cell research.
When they are appropriately stimulated, stem cells have the ability to renew themselves and give rise to other specialised cell types.
It means they can repair or replace damaged tissues or organs.
Hair follicles
It is hoped the research could offer treatment and cures for diseases like diabetes, cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
The Durham grant is for work led by Dr Colin Jahoda, reader in biological and biomedical sciences, on the growth and regenerative characteristics of cells in skin and hair follicles.
He is director of Durham University's new Centre for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine.
The funding for the work at Durham University is from the Biotechnology and Biological Research Council and from the Medical Research Council.
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