New ethical questions are being raised in stem cell research
Researchers discuss consent, privacy and clinical translation issues in iPS cell study. The emergence of iPS cells adds new challenges to the legal and social debates in stem-cell science.
Search results for “Cloning”
484 results for "Cloning"
DNA molecules in moss open door to new biotechnology
Scientists from Uppsala University have successfully introduced plasmid-based methods into Physcomitrella moss cells, opening doors to powerful techniques in plant research. This breakthrough enables gene cloning and overexpression directly in plant cells without the need for single-cell organisms like bacteria or yeasts.
Small mechanical forces have big impact on embryonic stem cells
Embryonic stem cells exhibit sensitivity to localized cyclic forces due to their softness, affecting gene expression and differentiation. The study suggests that applying controlled mechanical forces could be a new method for directing cell behavior, with implications for therapeutic cloning and regenerative medicine.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 18, 2009
2009 Lasker Awards recognize promise of stem cells -- global market could top $700 million
The 2009 Lasker Awards honor pioneering work in cancer and stem cell research, promising new therapies and a $700 million global market. Renowned scientists receive awards for their discoveries in nuclear reprogramming techniques and regenerative medicine.
SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGenetic Engineering & Biotechnology News·DateSep 14, 2009
Scripps research scientists identify genetic cause for type of deafness
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have identified a genetic cause of progressive hearing loss, linking it to the Loxhd1 gene. The study found that mutations in Loxhd1 lead to degradation of hair cells and disruption of hearing processes.
MSU researchers improve zebrafish cloning methods
Researchers at Michigan State University have improved zebrafish cloning methods, allowing for higher success rates and paving the way for further human health research. The new technique increases cloned fish numbers from adult fin cells or embryonic tail clips by 2-13% compared to previous methods.
Predicting cancer prognosis
Researchers developed a novel methodology to extract microRNAs from cancer tissues, identifying 17 new and 53 known miRNAs. These miRNAs were well-preserved in long-preserved tissue samples, leading to improved predictions of disease prognosis and treatment response.
Reprogramming human cells without inserting genes
A team at WPI and CellThera has discovered a novel method to turn on stem cell genes in human fibroblasts by manipulating culture conditions. This breakthrough could lead to treatments for human diseases and traumatic injuries by coaxing patient cells to repair and regenerate damaged tissues.
Protein 'Tweek' rare but critical in synaptic process
A large protein called Tweek is crucial for recycling and endocytosis in the synaptic process, allowing neurotransmitters to be transported to neurons. The study found that increasing PI(4,5)P2 levels reverses the defect in endocytic processes, highlighting the importance of Tweek in maintaining cellular homeostasis.
Sex in the Caribbean: Environmental change drives evolutionary change -- eventually
In the Caribbean Sea, environmental changes led to a shift from clonal to sexual reproduction among cupuladriid bryozoans. This shift enabled species to survive by becoming more robust against fragmentation, while those that failed to adapt went extinct.
Researchers look to imprinted genes for clues to fetal growth restriction in cloned swine
Researchers at North Carolina State University have found a link between imprinted genes and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in cloned swine. IUGR results in low birth weight and long-term health effects, and the study may hold future implications for human studies.
MU scientists convert pigs' connective tissue cells into stem cells
Researchers at MU develop method to transform fibroblasts from a pig's connective tissues into induced pluripotent stem cells. The new approach eliminates genetic incompatibility issues and allows for long-term animal models, paving the way for more accurate tests of stem cell therapies.
SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 2009
Closing the gaps in the human genome
Researchers have developed a simple and scalable method to finish non-structural gaps in genome assemblies using 454 sequencing. The technique enables the targeting of class III gaps that are difficult to close with traditional cloning methods, with potential applications for other genomes.
First live 'cloning' of faces challenges assumptions about human behavior
Researchers at University of East Anglia developed a new way to clone facial expressions during live conversations to study how they influence behavior. The technique maps facial movements to models of faces, allowing for manipulation of expressiveness, identity, and gender.
VARI researcher chosen for highly competitive Scholar-in-Training Award
Jindong Chen, a VARI researcher, has been awarded the AACR Scholar-in-Training Award for his presentation on Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome and its relation to kidney tumors. This award recognizes groundbreaking cancer research and is highly competitive among applicants.
Emory study yields clue to how stem cells form
Researchers at Emory University discover a process required for epigenetic reprogramming between generations, shedding light on fertilization, stem-cell formation, and cloning. The study found that histone protein modification can be inherited through cell-to-cell transmission.
Therapeutic cloning gets a boost with new research findings
Researchers at UTSA and Hawaii's John A. Burns School of Medicine found that somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) does not increase point mutation rates in cloned mice, with naturally conceived fetuses having similar rates as their cloned counterparts.
SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 2009
Researchers clone key sperm-binding proteins
Scientists at the University of Montreal and Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre have cloned human sperm-binding protein BSP, which may improve fertility treatments and male contraception. The researchers successfully purified the protein after decades of trying to isolate it from human sources.
Protein function and chromatin structure methods featured in Cold Spring Harbor Protocols
Two new methods are featured in Cold Spring Harbor Protocols: a rapid, reversible method for studying protein stability using small molecules, and a combined technique for identifying proteins that mediate long-range chromosomal interactions. These methods provide new tools for investigating protein function and chromatin structure.
Animal eggs not suitable substitutes to produce stem cells
A new study found that animal oocytes cannot fully reprogram adult human cells, making them unsuitable substitutes for producing patient-specific stem cells. The researchers tested using oocytes from cows, rabbits, and humans, but failed to achieve the necessary gene expression changes.
Uncultured bacteria found in amniotic fluids of women who experience preterm births
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology found that 60% of bacteria present in women with intra-amniotic inflammations were missed by traditional culture testing. The researchers identified a comprehensive list of microbial species using new DNA methods, including harmful bacteria not previously linked to preterm birth.
Being unique has advantages: 'Rareness' key to some insects being favored by evolution
A new study at the University of Melbourne discovered that rare insect clones are favored by evolution, leading to increased genetic variation. This phenomenon, known as frequency-dependent selection, allows rare clones to become more common and produce more offspring.
SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2008
Scientists discover cancer-causing role of gene proteins
Researchers at the University of Toronto have discovered that two protein cousins, related to the p53 family, play a critical role in cancer development. The findings challenge traditional thinking and suggest a new branch of scientific inquiry into cancer development.
Tiny invasive snail impacts Great Lakes, alters ecology
The New Zealand mud snail is outcompeting native species, altering food chains and ecosystems in the Great Lakes. Research suggests the snails can survive being frozen for short periods, making control difficult.
Cold Spring Harbor Protocols highlights gene silencing, cancer cell biology methods
Researchers develop powerful tool for investigating gene function using siRNA and lentiviral vectors. The method enables long-term down-regulation of specific target genes in various cell types, facilitating cancer cell biology studies.
George to receive Pulp Biology and Regeneration Award
Dr. Anne George has been recognized with the IADR Pulp Biology and Regeneration Award for her pioneering research on dentin matrix biology. Her work has significantly advanced our understanding of biomineralization in bones and teeth.
Public funding impacts progress of human embryonic stem cell research
The study found that the UK and Israel produced substantially more research in human embryonic stem cells than other fields. In contrast, Australia showed a modest result due to its mixed policy on stem cell research. The US is still the largest producer of research in this field but lags behind when compared to other similar fields.
Researchers report the cloning of a key group of human genes, the protein kinases
A team of researchers has cloned nearly all predicted human protein kinase genes in functional form, providing a valuable resource for studying kinase signaling networks. This achievement has significant implications for understanding the mechanisms of various cancers and identifying promising therapeutic targets.
Ovarian cancer stem cells identified, characterized
Researchers have identified and cloned ovarian cancer stem cells, which may be the source of recurrence and resistance to chemotherapy. These stem cells can replicate indefinitely and are highly resistant to conventional treatment.
A genetic cause for iron deficiency
Researchers discovered a genetic cause for a rare form of inherited iron deficiency anemia, which may provide insights into iron deficiency in the general population and suggest new treatment approaches. The study identified a gene mutation in the TMPRSS6 protein, leading to excessive hepcidin production and impaired iron absorption.
Therapeutic cloning treats Parkinson's disease in mice
Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center have successfully used therapeutic cloning to treat Parkinson's disease in mice. The method involves generating customized dopamine neurons from the patient's own skin cells and transplanting them into the mouse, resulting in neurological improvement.
Sand dollar larvae use cloning to 'make change,' confound predators
Larval sand dollars use cloning as a survival mechanism to reduce size and visibility to predators when threatened. By creating clones, they increase chances of survival by having multiple individuals, but this may come at the cost of reduced size later in life.
New findings about the brain lead to treatment for eating disturbances
Researchers at Uppsala University have made a breakthrough in treating eating disturbances, including obesity and anorexia, by targeting the melanocortin system. The system regulates energy balance and appetite, and tiny imbalances can lead to major changes.
Scientists confirm new virus responsible for deaths of transplant recipients in Australia
A new arenavirus has been discovered in three transplant recipients who died in Victoria, Australia in April 2007. The virus was identified through rapid sequencing technology and subsequent characterization, revealing a strain sufficiently different from existing screening methods.
SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2008
Pharmaceutical breakthrough may make a range of drugs cheaper and more available
Scientists use gene therapy to breed goats producing therapeutic proteins in their milk, reducing drug development time and cost. This breakthrough increases drug availability for those who cannot afford treatments.
SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJan 31, 2008
Scripps research scientists find new genetic mutation that halts the development of lupus
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute identified a nonsense mutation in the Coronin-1A gene that suppresses lupus development in mice. The study suggests that this mutation and other disease-suppressing genes may play a crucial role in modulating autoimmunity.
Human embryonic stem cell lines created that avoid immune rejection
Researchers have developed four unique human parthenogenetic stem cell lines that are HLA-homozygous, reducing the risk of provoking an immune reaction. These lines can serve as a renewable source of transplantable cells for treating genetic and degenerative diseases.
SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalCloning and Stem Cells·DateDec 20, 2007
Snake venoms share similar ingredients
A study discovered three-finger toxins in a rare rattlesnake subspecies, while a novel toxin gene was found through gene fusion. This discovery reveals the complexity of snake venom composition and its potential for developing new therapeutic agents.
MIT sorts cells with beams of light
Researchers at MIT have developed a system that uses beams of light to sort cells, allowing for precise separation based on specific cell characteristics. This technology could enable genetic screening, clinical testing, and cloning research with increased efficiency and reduced costs.
Oosight microscope enables embryonic stem cell breakthrough
Researchers successfully produced stem cells from cloned monkey embryos using the non-invasive Oosight microscope, a crucial step towards developing medical therapies. The innovative technology allows for clear visualization and removal of genetic material, leading to a 100% success rate in therapeutic cloning.
Reprogramming the debate: stem-cell finding alters ethical controversy
Researchers at UW-Madison have successfully reprogrammed skin cells into embryonic stem cells, potentially resolving the ethical controversy surrounding human embryonic stem cell research. This breakthrough could lead to a shift in government funding policies and pave the way for non-embryonic stem cell research.
New evidence for female control in reproduction
Scientists report biochemical proof that female mammals can sense sperm presence and alter uterine environment to favor fertilization. This discovery has profound implications for in-vitro fertilization, cloning, and animal breeding.
Researchers uncover clues to horse herpes and neurologic disorders
A single amino acid variation in equid herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) creates a different type of EHV-1 that causes neurological disorders in horses. The researchers found that altering this amino acid reduces virus levels and makes the virus more susceptible to antiviral drugs.
Emory scientist honored for identifying key components of blood pressure control
Kenneth E. Bernstein identified key components of blood pressure control and was awarded the American Heart Association's Basic Research Prize for his work. His discoveries have led to a major approach in treating hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and diabetic nephropathy.
Stem cell nuclei are soft 'hard drives,' Penn study finds
Researchers have discovered that human embryonic stem cell nuclei are the most deformable, followed by hematopoietic stem cells, which generate blood and tissue cells. The study reveals that lamin proteins play a key role in stabilizing the nucleus and controlling gene expression.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 11, 2007
Penn Veterinary Medicine report new strategy to create genetically modified animals
Researchers at Penn Veterinary Medicine have successfully demonstrated the potential of a new strategy for genetic modification of large animals. By employing a harmless gene therapy virus, they can transfer genetic modifications to male reproductive cells, which are then passed naturally on to offspring. This approach has shown promis...
DNA analysis shows true dispersal of protozoa
A study published in BMC Evolutionary Biology found that some protozoa are globally dispersed, while others are geographically restricted, suggesting a moderate degree of endemicity. The analysis used a new fast-evolving DNA marker to reveal higher biodiversity than previously thought.
Scientists prove that disputed Korean stem cell line comes from an unfertilized egg and not cloning
Researchers used genetic analysis to determine the origin of a widely disputed stem cell line. The study found that the cell line was derived from a parthenogenetic embryo, not somatic nuclear transfer as previously claimed.
Strains of laboratory mice more varied than previously thought
Researchers found that the genetic variation in laboratory mice is vastly greater than previously thought, with 8.3 million variations described. The pedigrees of the 15 mouse strains studied differ from each other to a far greater degree than previously assumed.
Cloning the male genome may help infertile men
Researchers at Weill Medical College have successfully cloned a mouse genome, paving the way for potential treatment of low sperm count in infertile men. The technique involves replicating the male genome, which could increase chances of conception and reduce embryo wastage.
UCLA researchers reprogram normal tissue cells into embryonic stem cells
Researchers at UCLA successfully reprogrammed normal tissue cells into cells with unlimited properties as embryonic stem cells, offering a promising alternative to current cloning methods. The breakthrough could lead to the creation of immune-compatible cells for disease treatment and regenerative therapies.
Reprogrammed fibroblasts identical to embryonic stem cells
Researchers at Whitehead Institute successfully reprogrammed mature skin cells into pluripotent cells, identical to embryonic stem cells, without using eggs or destroying embryos. These cells can give rise to live mice and transmit their genetic material to subsequent generations.
Cold Spring Harbor Protocols features methods to understand embryos, clones, stem cells
The article highlights protocols for characterizing epigenetic marks in native chromatin, investigating embryogenesis in Xenopus laevis, and cloning techniques. These methods provide insights into gene activity, cellular reprogramming, and disease states.
Detecting cold, feeling pain: Study reveals why menthol feels fresh
Scientists have identified the TRPM8 receptor as responsible for sensing cold, which also mediates pain perception. The study provides a target for treating acute and chronic pain.
Antibody-based therapies effective at controlling malaria
Researchers have developed fully human antibodies that effectively control malaria in mice, providing a potential therapeutic strategy for the disease. The study's findings suggest that these novel reagents could be used as a test for therapeutic antibody efficacy and an important tool in malaria vaccine development.
Master regulatory gene of epithelial stem cells identified
A new study from Harvard Medical School identifies p63 as the master regulator of epithelial stem cells, which are essential for tissue regeneration and have implications for cancers such as breast, prostate, and skin. The findings show that p63 imparts 'stemness' to regenerative cells, maintaining a steady pool of these cells.
Novel antigen-cloning technique may boost efforts to develop a melanoma vaccine
Researchers at The Wistar Institute have developed a novel antigen-cloning technique that may boost efforts to develop a melanoma vaccine. The new approach has been used to identify a tumor antigen called ribosomal protein L8 (RPL8), which has the potential to elicit both helper T cell and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte responses.
Donald Metcalf receives American Association for Cancer Research Lifetime Achievement Award
Donald Metcalf is recognized for his groundbreaking research on blood cell formation and colony-stimulating factors, which revolutionized cancer treatment. His work led to the development of therapies accelerating hematopoietic regeneration in patients, reducing infection risk and shortening hospital stays.
Mouse stem cell line advance suggests potential for IVF-incompetent eggs
Researchers have discovered that aged, fertilization-failure mouse oocytes can be used as cytoplasmic donors in nuclear transfer procedures, paving the way for future human egg use. This breakthrough could optimize cloning protocols and reduce waste of discarded IVF eggs.
Penn researchers replace organ in adult mice using 'single-parent' stem cells
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have successfully used uniparental embryonic stem cells to repopulate a damaged organ with healthy cells in adult mice. This breakthrough could provide a less controversial alternative to traditional embryonic stem cell therapy, and may offer therapeutic benefits for both males and females.