In two Nature papers (here and here) published today researchers report the astounding finding of reprogramming differentiated cells back to a pluripotent or even totipotent state simply by exposing the cells to extreme environmental stress, creating cells they called STAP cells. Update: see more thoughts on STAP stem cells here. STAP cells: stressing the cell out No genes. No proteins. No nuclear
![Review of Obokata STAP cells Nature papers - The Niche](https://cdn-ak-scissors.b.st-hatena.com/image/square/55daf9b0b15b32199ee847252888125b62b3f8cf/height=288;version=1;width=512/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ipscell.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F02%2FSTAP-stem-cells.jpeg)