SCIENTISTS in Scotland and California are to collaborate on medical research that could give new hope to millions with life-threatening conditions, the First Minister has said.
Alex Salmond heard how experts from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh and St Andrews University will work with their counterparts at Stanford University in the US.
The study will examine how to grow new stem cells to treat people with brain or spinal cord injuries, or those with conditions such as Parkinson's disease.
The research may be able to regenerate damaged tissue and treat effects of heart attacks and brain injuries caused by strokes.
The First Minister heard details of the work when he visited Stanford University as part of his US trip.
The groundbreaking research is being carried out under the Scottish Universities/Stanford University (SU2P) programme.
Mr Salmond said the universities involved were "at the cutting-edge of scientific endeavour that could transform the lives of millions of people.
"This research has the potential to lead to incredible medical breakthroughs that could not only give new hope to millions but contribute enormously to the economies of both Scotland and California."
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