Scientists create cartilage from stem cells

London: Providing a ray of hope for arthritis patients, scientists have succeeded in producing cartilage formed from embryonic stem cells. In future, this may be used to treat the painful joint condition osteoarthritis. Scientists have developed a protocol under strict lab conditions to grow and transform embryonic stem cells into cartilage cells (also known as chondrocytes). Developing and testing this protocol in rats is the first step in generating the information needed to run a study in people with arthritis.