These calves have cells that are much younger than the cells of calves of the same chronological age. When telomeres reach a shorter length, usually after about 75-80 cell divisions, the cell dies. This helps the body to dispose of old tissue. Researchers cloned these calves by using connective tissue cells that had only about four divisions left. In the cloned calves, the telomere length of the cells suggested a possibility of ninety cellular divisions, showing that young cells can be created from old ones.
Scientists hope that the creation of young cells through cloning can treat diseases in humans.
One example would be to clone the cells of a person with diabetes, and form cells that produce insulin. These functioning cells could then be reinjected into the person, essentially eliminating the disease. Creating new cells from a person's own cells would also be advantageous in that the cells would not be rejected by the body, as is often the case in transplants from other people's bodies. For more information on the latest cloning breakthrough and its implications for people with diabetes and other diseases, read an interview with Dr. Michael West , the President and CEO of Advanced Cell Technology. Tooth decay is not uncommon in people with diabetes, as elevated blood sugar levels provide a good environment for bacteria.