Now: Lung cells from umbilical cord blood cells

Scientists at the University of Minnesota report that they have produced type II alveolar cells that manufacture surfactant, the lipo-protein that allows lungs to expand and prevent collapse of the tiny airways at the end of each breath. The hope is that this discovery will allow the study of cord blood from babies born with cystic fibrosis - who have thickened secretions, including surfactant - to study that disease as well as other lung disease and even the development of lungs.

Guess which big US news agency is reporting this breakthrough? None.

Each of us needs to call, e-mail our local radio and TV stations to let them know about the breakthroughs in stem cells that the major media is not reporting.