January 8, 2009 Scientists learn how to reprogram cells Play video

(NECN: Boston, Mass.) - It's the scientific breakthrough of the year! Every December "Science" magazine selects their breakthrough of the year.

In 2008, they selected cellular reprogramming. Of those trillions of cells in the body, there are about 200 different types. Scientists have taken a cell, say a skin cell, and having it make a direct leap to something like a pancreas cell. They are in a sense manipulating the cells.

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Joining NECN from the Museum of Science in Boston is Dr. Duane Hill.

Click here to visit the Museum of Science website.