Izpisua Belmonte's lab aims to generate functional primate organs and tissues in vivo using novel stem cell technologies. His work could lead to new methods for growing transplantable human tissues and overcoming organ rejection issues.
A study found that corneal cells' softness indicates their potential for stem-like activity, enabling rapid and cost-effective enrichment of limbal stem cells. This biomarker could improve clinical success rates for corneal transplant patients with naturally low limbal stem cell percentages.
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A new non-invasive test measures donor-derived cell-free DNA in plasma to monitor transplant recipients and detect rejection. The assay has shown promise in reducing complications and rejection, improving outcomes for heart transplant patients.
Researchers found that Zika virus can infect specific regions of the eye in adult mice, resulting in inflammation and symptoms similar to those observed in human patients. The study also raised questions about whether the virus continues to replicate in the lacrimal gland after being cleared from the body.
A new, minimally invasive procedure called Descemet stripping has shown promise in treating Fuchs endothelial dystrophy (FED), a common eye disease. The procedure restored clear vision to three out of four patients without the need for corneal transplants.
New research reveals that heavy drinking after liver transplantation can cause significant damage to newly transplanted livers, leading to severe health issues. Early alcohol assessments and multidisciplinary interventions are crucial to prevent relapse and ensure patient success.
Researchers successfully grew skin tissue with hair follicles and sebaceous glands in the laboratory using reprogrammed iPS cells. The tissues formed normal connections with surrounding nerves and muscle fibers, paving the way for potential functional skin transplants.
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Researchers developed a gene therapy that programs T regulatory cells to protect transplanted tissues from rejection by the patient's immune system. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for autoimmune diseases and open up possibilities for building genes for any disease where the immune system is overactive.
Researchers at Cardiff University have successfully transplanted human stem cells into rabbits with corneal blindness, repairing the front of the eye and restoring vision. The study demonstrates the generation of multiple eye tissues, including the lens, cornea, and conjunctiva, from human induced pluripotent stem cells.
Researchers will investigate how cells decide their fates using the eye lens as a model, with implications for understanding cancer development and organ regeneration. The study aims to uncover new mechanisms that control cell differentiation and disease states.
A new study in mice successfully preserved fertility using ovarian follicles, producing live births and addressing concerns about reintroducing cancer cells. The technique could be beneficial for women with cancer who cannot afford to delay treatment.
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Researchers successfully transplanted human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived kidney tissues into mouse kidneys, where the animal's blood vessels connected to the human tissue. The advance allows for the creation of urine-producing kidneys through regenerative medicine.
Researchers at Kumamoto University have successfully connected iPS-derived kidney cells to a capillary network, enabling the formation of a functional filtration membrane. This breakthrough has significant implications for regenerative medicine and organ transplantation, particularly for patients with renal failure.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that a small dose of dexrazoxane protected ovarian function and fertility in mice after chemotherapy. The treatment also increased survival rates and reduced toxicity, providing new hope for young cancer patients.
A team of researchers at Rice University and the University of Pennsylvania created an implant with a network of blood vessels using 3D printing. The study shows that blood flowed normally through test constructs connected to native blood vessels, overcoming a major challenge in regenerative medicine.
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A study of 41 Danish women who received ovarian tissue transplants found that the procedure is effective in restoring ovarian function and fertility in up to 10 years. The majority of patients (31%) became pregnant, with some even experiencing full-term pregnancies.
A study by Swiss researchers evaluated the therapeutic potential of human fetal progenitor tenocytes (hFPTs) for tendon regeneration. The research found that hFPTs can stimulate adult tenocytes and potentially accelerate healing, with the possibility of reducing scarring.
Researchers found that severing corneal nerves during the first transplantation procedure releases high levels of Substance P, disabling T regulatory cells needed for acceptance of subsequent corneal transplants. This results in rejection of more than 90% of second corneal transplants in mice.
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Researchers have developed a scaffold-free method to generate hyaline cartilage from iPS cells, offering a promising alternative to traditional autologous chondrocyte transplantation. The new protocol avoids fibrous tissue formation and allows for the direct transplantation of chondrocytes with high purity.
A Massachusetts General Hospital team has developed a method to protect insulin-producing islets from the immune system, enabling long-term blood sugar control without immunosuppression. The approach involves coating or encapsulating islets with CXCL12, a protein that repels immune cells and attracts regulatory T cells.
Researchers developed a new technology that preserves tissue quality in donated tissues, extending storage life to at least 60 days. This will allow surgeons to provide patients with more natural joint repair options, reducing the need for metal and plastic implants.
A new preservation system that uses machine perfusion keeps livers healthier for up to nine hours before transplantation, leading to better liver function and increased survival rates. The system has shown promising results in animal studies, with 100% of pigs surviving after receiving perfused livers.
A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery reveals that careful surgical planning and technique are essential for restoring blinking function after facial transplantation. The research highlights the importance of monitoring restoration of reflex blinking to protect long-term visual outcomes.
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Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have joined forces with a leading 3D biology company to develop 3D printed tissues for transplant research. The technology could shorten wait times for vital organs and eliminate the need for immunosuppressive drugs.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have identified factor H-like protein 1 (FHL-1) as a new target for treating age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The study suggests that insufficient FHL-1 in the eye's back may lead to inflammation and vision loss.
Researchers have successfully transplanted human intestinal organoids into mice, creating a model to study intestinal diseases and potentially treat conditions like Crohn's disease. The findings could lead to bioengineering personalized human intestinal tissue for treatment.
Dr. Lijie Grace Zhang is developing a novel 3-D bioprinted smart vascularized nano tissue to address critical-sized bone defects and inadequate vascular networks in transplant patients. Her project combines nanobiomaterials, tissue engineering, and drug delivery with advanced 3-D bioprinting techniques.
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Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have discovered that NAD+, a natural molecule found in living cells, can regulate autoimmune diseases by altering the immune response and turning destructive cells into protective ones. The study showed significant delayed onset of disease and reduced severity in mice receiving NAD+ treatment.
Researchers at University of California, San Diego aim to develop a whole eye transplant technique that can reconnect the eye's neuronal wiring to the brain. The goal is to treat patients with vision restoration due to structural or functional problems in the eye.
Researchers found that adding IL-10 to transplanted smooth muscle cells improved cell survival and cardiac function after myocardial infarction. The study suggests a new approach to prevent host rejection of allogenic cells in cardiac tissue repair.
A study found that physicians in Ontario, Canada were more likely to be registered for deceased organ donation than matched citizens or the general public. The majority of registered physicians, 47%, were more likely to register due to younger age and female status.
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Researchers have successfully printed artificial vascular networks using a high-tech 'bio-printer', paving the way for large complex tissues and organs. The study achieved significant improvements in cell survival, differentiation, and proliferation.
Researchers developed a new supercooling technique to increase liver storage time from 24 hours to 3 days in animal study. The method successfully stored rat livers for up to four days, with 58% survival rate, offering potential for improved organ allocation and reduced costs.
Researchers at San Raffaele Scientific Institute developed a new method to convert fibroblasts into neurons, which improved motor function in rodents with parkinsonism. The study used technology that allowed the neurons to express engineered proteins and respond to specific drugs.
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Researchers found that blood vessels in face transplant recipients reorganize themselves, creating new networks to ensure healthy circulation. This understanding could improve surgical planning and assessment of potential complications, potentially shortening operation time and reducing procedure-associated complications.
A national study funded by the National Eye Institute found that most corneal transplants from donors aged 34-71 have remarkable longevity, with success rates remaining steady at 75% after 10 years. Corneas from younger donors had higher success rates, while those from older donors showed slightly lower performance.
A new NIH-funded study found that cornea donation from donors aged 34-71 maintains high success rates after 10 years. While older donors may experience slightly lower success rates, the majority remain healthy and functional.
Researchers have identified a molecule that regulates fibrotic disease, offering hope for treating damaged organs. Removing this molecule or using experimental drugs has been shown to reduce scar tissue in mice, with implications for human treatment.
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Researchers at Lund University have found that Zebularine, an old cancer drug, can prevent organ rejection in transplant patients. The treatment also showed promise in curing type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis by suppressing the immune system's reaction to healthy tissue.
A recent study has found a link between kidney transplant patients and an increased risk of invasive skin cancer. The research suggests that tumor cells from the donated kidney can lead to cancer formation in recipient tissues.
Researchers developed a noninvasive protein-based urine test that accurately monitors kidney transplant risk and detects rejection before clinical signs appear. The study found low levels of CXCL9 protein can rule out rejection as a cause of kidney injury, offering a promising diagnostic tool for managing transplant patients.
A new protocol has been developed to decontaminate human fetal tissues used for cell transplantation, reducing the risk of brain infections. The technique was tested on laboratory animals and shown to be effective in eliminating microbial contamination.
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Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed gold nanofibers that can mimic the heart's coordinated electrical system, increasing the viability of transplanted cardiac tissues. This innovation could lead to new treatment options for patients with damaged heart tissue after a heart attack.
UCSF researchers have created the first functioning human thymus tissue from embryonic stem cells, fostering healthy immune responses and preventing autoimmune reactions in mice. The achievement marks a significant step toward potential new treatments for type-1 diabetes and other autoimmune diseases.
Transplant researchers at Pitt School of Medicine found that chemokine receptors are not necessary to start the rejection response. Instead, dendritic cells identify antigens and present them to the recipient's immune system, leading to organ rejection.
Researchers have identified the long-unknown mating-type genes of Tetrahymena thermophila, a single-celled organism with seven sexes. The study reveals a random process of DNA rearrangements that determines sex in this organism, which may have potential human health implications.
A large, randomized trial found that angiotensin II blockade did not lessen tissue scarring or prevent kidney failure in kidney transplant recipients. The treatment was safe and well-tolerated but showed no benefit in slowing disease progression.
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Researchers are using bioprinting to grow cells in 3D scaffolds that can be used to regenerate tissue, with the potential to treat diseases such as cavity wounds. However, limitations include cell survival rates and guaranteeing consistent quality.
Researchers have successfully created functional 'organoids' that can carry out kidney functions when implanted into rats. The breakthrough could lead to more options for individuals with kidney failure and better tools for understanding and treating complex kidney diseases.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine showed that liver cells, thymus tissue and insulin-producing pancreatic islet cells can thrive in lymph nodes despite being displaced from their natural sites. This could lead to cell-based alternatives to whole organ transplantation.
A new study shows that ovarian grafts can maintain hormonal function for more than seven years in some women, providing a long-term solution for fertility preservation. This breakthrough could benefit young cancer survivors with premature ovarian failure, enabling them to retain reproductive health for an extended period.
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Researchers have successfully formed human-derived stem cell tissue resembling the retina, a breakthrough that could lead to new treatments for visual impairments. This achievement uses optimized cell culture methods and demonstrates the potential of human embryonic stem cells for regenerative medicine.
Researchers in Japan have successfully generated a new liver system using hepatocyte cell transplantation. The study demonstrated the feasibility of propagating mouse hepatocytes by creating a vascularized platform and uniform hepatocyte sheets, leading to the functionality of the engineered liver system.
Researchers discovered a process that turns off key pathway required for immune system to attack foreign bodies, preventing maternal immune rejection of the developing fetus. Epigenetic modifications in decidua cells silence chemokine genes, inhibiting T cell recruitment and immune response.
Researchers have developed engineered microvessels that can grow small human blood vessels in a 3-D structure, allowing for the study of disease progression and development of efficient therapies. The system shows promise in studying various diseases, including cancer, malaria, and clotting disorders.
Researchers have successfully reprogrammed skin cells from elderly heart failure patients into healthy, beating heart muscle cells that can integrate with existing heart tissue. The study uses human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to repair damaged hearts, offering a potential new treatment option for heart failure patients.
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Rapid advancements in corneal transplantation have led to the decline of complete cornea transplantation (PK), with newer forms of lamellar transplantation surgery selectively replacing diseased layers offering better visual outcomes and lower risks of complications.
A new study by Loyola University Medical Center found that fetal membrane transplantation significantly reduces the risk of blindness in patients with Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)/toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). The treatment, which involves placing amniotic membrane on the eye, can aid healing and minimize scarring.
Cartilage transplant tissue can now be stored for up to 63 days, compared to 28 days previously, using a new method developed by researchers at the University of Missouri. This increase in storage time is expected to greatly improve the success rate of joint grafting procedures.
Researchers have identified two proteins responsible for the Langereis and Junior blood types, shedding light on a long-standing medical mystery. The discovery may improve treatment options for breast cancer patients and enhance blood transfusion safety for rare blood type carriers.