NEW DELHI: In a first, researchers, including one of Indianorigin, have reprogrammed the human bodys fat cells into those similar to the hearts pacemaker cells which control heartbeat by creating rhythmic electrical impulses an advance that may lead to new therapies for cardiac failure. The study, published in the Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology, noted that the new pacemaker-like cell may become a useful alternative treatment for heart conduction system disorders, and to bridge the limitations of current treatments such as artificial pacemakers. '; var randomNumber = Math.random(); var isIndia = (window.geoinfo && window.geoinfo.CountryCode === 'IN') && (window.location.href.indexOf('outsideindia') === -1 ); console.log(isIndia && randomNumber Artificial pacemakers need to be regularly examined and over time can stop working properly. In the study, researchers, including Suchi Raghunathan from the University of Houston, tweaked unspecialised stem cells to turn them into conducting cells of the heart that could carry electrical current. Batteries will die. This biologic pacemaker is better able to adapt to the body and would not have to be maintained by a physician, said study co-author Bradley McConnell.

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Human fat cells tweaked to function like a pacemaker - Times of India