Beating cells

In my lab this week I had quite a surprise! I have been differentiating mouse embryonic stem cells into Schwann Cell-like cells. Schwann Cells insulate nerves in the peripheral nervous system. I tried a new experiment this week using different media components-imagine my surprise when some of the cell colonies on the plate started to spontaneously beat in rhythm. They may have differentiated into heart muscle cells! I am planning on testing them to see what is happening and if I can repeat these results. Usually cells are not visibly moving, so to see this is definitely eerie. Also click this link to another cluster with four sequential groups of beating cells.