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Scientists at McMaster University have made a breakthrough discovery that could revolutionize pain treatment.

Dr Mick Bhatia and his team have successfully converted blood cells into neurons. They’ve developed a process to grow central and peripheral neurons from a blood sample; this will allow for unprecedented experiments on how these cells experience pain.

“It’s hard for scientists and physicians later on to get access to a very complex tissue that’s integrated in our body. The fact that we can take a blood sample that people will donate and we can convert it into those cell types, that we otherwise would never be able to access, opens up new doors.”

Bhatia says the cells will act as a testing ground for new pain medications that affect peripheral neurons and not central ones. He hopes they will be able to eliminate the drowsiness and addictiveness that come with current drugs that target both.

The neurons will also contain DNA from the donor, allowing doctors to see how specific people respond differently to pain.