A new method of producing adult stem cells may have the potential to repair bones and organs.

Researchers used a small molecule to induce stem cells over a 10 day period to produce mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). MSCs exist in bone marrow, but only in small amounts, meaning that harvesting the cells is difficult. Growing MSCs in a laboratory setting may have the capability to repair bone.

Researchers were able to use the same method to produce pluripotent cells, which have the potential to repair organs.