According to the Daily Science website, three institutions, including the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, are jointly launching a cutting-edge clinical trial. They will test a novel stem cell therapy on 12 patients with moderate to severe Parkinson's disease - by implanting laboratory grown dopamine producing cells into the brain to rebuild the brain's ability to autonomously produce dopamine, in order to delay the progression of Parkinson's disease and improve patients' motor function. This therapy uses induced pluripotent stem cells, which are reprogrammed from adult cells such as skin or blood cells. Unlike embryonic stem cells, this type of stem cell avoids ethical controversies and has high plasticity, capable of directed differentiation into multiple cell types, including dopamine producing brain cells. During the surgery, the doctor makes a small incision on the patient's skull and, guided by magnetic resonance imaging, precisely implants stem cells into the basal ganglia, a brain region that plays a central role in motor regulation. After surgery, researchers will closely observe the subjects for 12 to 15 months to assess changes in Parkinson's symptoms and monitor potential side effects such as abnormal movement (movement disorders) or infection risk. Long term follow-up will last for 5 years to comprehensively evaluate the safety and efficacy of the treatment. The core pathological feature of Parkinson's disease is the sustained decrease in dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine, as a key neurotransmitter, is involved in regulating various basic physiological functions such as movement, memory, and emotion. As dopamine producing neurons gradually degrade, the brain's ability to control movement weakens, leading to typical symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, and bradykinesia. The aim of this experiment is to explore the safe and effective replacement of damaged neurons and restart the dopamine production system in the brain by transplanting specially designed stem cells. The team believes that once dopamine levels return to normal, the worsening trend of the disease is expected to be curbed, and the patient's exercise ability will be significantly restored. (New Society)