Previously, scientists identified four genes that can transform adult stem cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which have the capacity to differentiate into specialized cells of the body.  However, these genes are delivered by a retrovirus, becoming integrated into the DNA and may, over an extended period of time, activate cancer-causing genes. To overcome this issue, Justin K. Ichida, from Harvard Stem Cell Institute (Massachusetts, USA), and colleagues substituted small chemical molecules for two of the genes, successfully demonstrating an alternative for  converting one type of cell into another. The team observes that: “By using a non-biased chemical screening approach, we uncovered a previously unknown way to make stem cells. This discovery is exciting because it demonstrates the feasibility of using chemicals to make safer patient-specific stem cells for transplantation medicine.”  Previously, scientists identified four genes that can transform adult stem cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which have the capacity to differentiate into specialized cells of the body.  However, these genes are delivered by a retrovirus, becoming integrated into the DNA and may, over an extended period of time, activate cancer-causing genes. To overcome this issue, Justin K. Ichida, from Harvard Stem Cell Institute (Massachusetts, USA), and colleagues substituted small chemical molecules for two of the genes, successfully demonstrating an alternative for  converting one type of cell into another. The team observes that: “By using a non-biased chemical screening approach, we uncovered a previously unknown way to make stem cells. This discovery is exciting because it demonstrates the feasibility of using chemicals to make safer patient-specific stem cells for transplantation medicine.”