Scientists map out the human body one cell at a time

Researchers have created an early map of some of the human body’s estimated 37.2 trillion cells. Each type of cell has a unique role, and knowing what all the cells do can help scientists better understand health and diseases such as cancer. Scientists focused on certain organs — plotting the jobs of cells in the mouth, stomach and intestines, as well as cells that guide how bones and joints develop. They hope the high-resolution atlas — considered a first draft — will help researchers fight diseases that damage or corrupt human cells. The findings were published Wednesday in Nature and related journals. Researchers have created an early map of some of the human body’s estimated 37.2 trillion cells. Each type of cell has a unique role, and knowing what all the cells do can help scientists better understand health and diseases such as cancer. Scientists focused on certain organs — plotting the jobs of cells in the mouth, stomach and intestines, as well as cells that guide how bones and joints develop. They hope the high-resolution atlas — considered a first draft — will help researchers fight diseases that damage or corrupt human cells. The findings were published Wednesday in Nature and related journals.  AP Technology and Science