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Lou Gehrig's disease: From patient stem cells to potential treatment strategy in one study

A team of doctors and scientists at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center used stem cell technology to create neurons from patients' skin cells and block the damaging effects of a defective gene. The study provides proof of concept for a new therapeutic strategy, suggesting a potential future therapy for Lou Gehrig's disease.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 25, 2013

New gene repair technique promises advances in regenerative medicine

Researchers developed an efficient way to target and repair defective genes using a novel technique that simplifies previous methods. This breakthrough enables the potential to repair genetic defects responsible for diseases like breast cancer, Parkinson's, and others, opening doors for meaningful therapeutic applications.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 12, 2013

Alligator stem cell study gives clues to tooth regeneration

Researchers from USC Keck School of Medicine have uncovered unique cellular and molecular mechanisms behind tooth renewal in American alligators. The study found that alligator teeth are complex units of three components, including a functional tooth, replacement tooth, and dental lamina, which contain stem cells for regeneration.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2013

Ectopic eyes function without connection to brain

Scientists at Tufts University have shown that transplanted eyes can confer vision without a direct neural connection to the brain. The study used frog models and found that ectopic eyes could 'see' and elicit responses similar to those of animals with natural eyes.

SourceTufts University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateFeb 27, 2013

UC Davis investigators achieve important step toward treating Huntington's disease

Researchers at UC Davis have developed a new approach using stem cells to deliver gene therapy specifically targeting the genetic abnormality found in Huntington's disease. By transferring inhibitory RNA sequences from donor cells into target neurons, they significantly decreased the synthesis of the abnormal huntingtin protein.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalMolecular and Cellular Neuroscience·DateJan 19, 2012

Bioengineered veins offer new hope on horizon for patients lacking healthy veins for coronary bypass surgery or dialysis

Researchers have developed bioengineered veins that can be used in life-saving vascular surgeries, offering a promising solution for patients lacking suitable veins. The technology has shown promise in reducing complications and costs associated with traditional grafts used in coronary artery bypass grafting and hemodialysis.

SourceWest Mill Consulting·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 2, 2011

4 essays look at the next generation of bioethics

The Hastings Center Report has published four essays on the next generation of bioethics, exploring new areas such as pharmaceutical industry ethics, public health, and regenerative medicine. These essays propose broadening the approach to dying and creating a framework for teaching an aging population to prepare for death.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateNov 11, 2010

Gender-biased heart damage

Researchers found that male hormones can help vessels around the heart regenerate, potentially explaining why men experience worse heart attacks earlier in life. Androgen replacement therapy might one day be used to treat men at risk for heart disease.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJan 13, 2010

Stem cell innovation at risk

The University of Nottingham's studies found that improved collaboration with clinicians, better funding, and regulatory certainty are crucial for stem cell therapy success. The industry is at risk of market failure due to structural barriers within the NHS.