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How do you mend a broken heart?

Researchers identified a family of molecules that can stimulate stem cells to develop into beating heart muscle cells, paving the way for new therapies for cardiac regeneration and repair. The discoveries were made using a zebrafish model system and showed promise in enhancing the inherent regenerative capacities of the heart.

SourceCell Press·JournalChemistry & Biology·DateDec 22, 2011

Stanford study finds IPS cells match embryonic stem cells in modeling human disease

Researchers at Stanford Medicine have shown that iPS cells can mirror the defining defects of Marfan syndrome as well as embryonic stem cells. This study advances the credibility of induced pluripotent stem cells for modeling human diseases and offers an ethically uncomplicated alternative to embryonic stem cells.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 19, 2011

Penn study unlocks origins of blood stem cells

A team led by Nancy Speck at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has discovered a molecular marker for hematopoietic stem cells, providing insights into their origin and development. This finding could help manipulate embryonic stem cells to generate new blood cells for therapy in leukemia patients

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateDec 8, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Stem cell research in the UK reaches significant milestone

Researchers at King's College London have made a breakthrough in developing xeno-free human embryonic stem cell lines that are suitable for public benefit. The lines will be grown and processed by the UKSCB to provide stem cell stocks for clinical research and treatment.

SourceKing's College London·DateDec 6, 2011

Not all cellular reprogramming is created equal

A study published in Cell Stem Cell reveals that adjusting the levels of reprogramming factors can significantly impact the quality and fidelity of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. This finding explains the variability in iPS cell quality reported in recent studies, which has sparked debate about their therapeutic potential.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateDec 1, 2011

Parental controls on embryonic development?

A recent study published in Developmental Cell suggests that the reach of parental control in embryonic development may be longer than thought. The research found evidence that genetic marks from sperm can be passed on to embryos, influencing gene expression later in development.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Biology·DateDec 1, 2011

Bush embryonic stem cell lines different from newly derived cell lines

Researchers found that newly derived human embryonic stem cell lines have a better molecular signature than established lines, indicating higher quality and potentially better performance in disease modeling. The study suggests that maintaining the original state of X chromosome inactivation could be crucial for achieving optimal results.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateNov 30, 2011
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

International initiative to address safety issues in stem cell therapy

A collaborative study from the International Stem Cell Initiative analyzed human pluripotent stem cells' genetic stability and found that 75% remained normal after prolonged culture. However, researchers detected genetic changes similar to those seen in human cancers, highlighting the need for detecting and eliminating abnormal cells.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 28, 2011

Singapore scientists lead human embryonic stem cell study

Researchers identified a portion of the genome mutated during long-term culture of human embryonic stem cells, which may compromise their utility for regenerative medicine. The study highlights the importance of understanding genetic changes in hESCs and their potential impact on cell therapy applications.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 27, 2011

Surprise role of nuclear structure protein in development

Researchers have found that B-type lamins are necessary for proper organ development, but not for the replication and differentiation of embryonic stem cells. Mice deficient in B-type lamins were born with developmental defects, highlighting the protein's importance in tissue organization.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScience·DateNov 24, 2011

Implanted neurons, grown in the lab, take charge of brain circuitry

A team of Wisconsin scientists reports that lab-grown neurons can successfully fuse with the brain's wiring and send/receive signals. The study uses optogenetics to modulate transplanted cells, opening doors for light-based stimulation technology in treating neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 21, 2011

Self-organized pituitary-like tissue from mouse ES cells

Researchers have successfully differentiated mouse ES cells into a tissue resembling the adenohypophysis, the hormone-secreting component of the pituitary gland. The self-organized tissue exhibits functional hormone secretion and can compensate for pituitary function in mice.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature·DateNov 14, 2011
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Diseased hearts to heal themselves in future

Researchers identify oncostatin M as a key player in the self-healing powers of the heart, allowing damaged heart muscle cells to reversion and produce new cells. This discovery holds promise for treating heart disease, but further research is needed to pinpoint the precise window of application.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateNov 11, 2011

Embryonic signal drives pancreatic cancer and offers a way to kill it

A new therapy approach targets a self-renewal pathway in embryonic stem cells to eliminate cancer stem cells in pancreatic cancer. In mice with human pancreatic cancer tumors, the combination of Nodal/Activin pathway inhibition and chemotherapy led to 100% survival after 100 days.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateNov 3, 2011

Erasing the signs of aging in cells is now a reality

Researchers at Inserm have successfully rejuvenated cells from elderly donors, erasing signs of aging and demonstrating the reversibility of cellular aging. The breakthrough uses a new 'cocktail' of six genetic factors to reprogram senescent cells into functional induced pluripotent stem cells.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalGenes & Development·DateNov 3, 2011

Lab-made skin cells will aid transplantation, cancer, drug discovery research

Researchers have created melanocytes from mouse tail cells using inducible pluripotent stem cells, offering potential benefits for tissue transplantation, cancer treatment, and drug discovery. The lab-made cells can be studied to understand the development of conditions like vitiligo and melanoma.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateOct 26, 2011

Inadequate supply of protein building blocks may explain pregnancy failures in bovine cloning experiments

A study found that amino acid concentrations were reduced in cloned embryos compared to in vitro fertilized pregnancies. This may explain developmental abnormalities and complications leading to embryo death. The findings highlight the importance of researching maternal-embryo interactions.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalCellular Reprogramming·DateOct 26, 2011
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Understanding the beginnings of embryonic stem cells helps predict the future

Researchers have discovered that lab-grown embryonic stem cells express the protein Blimp1, which represses differentiation and enables them to form cells of almost any type. This finding could help inform the development of induced pluripotent stem cells, a new type of stem cell derived from adult cells.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 13, 2011
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Diabetes and cancer: A shared biological basis

Research reveals a link between diabetes and cancer, showing that cancer-promoting proteins like Lin28a can increase insulin sensitivity in mice, while others with high let-7 levels become more resistant to diabetes.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateSep 29, 2011

Correcting sickle cell disease with stem cells

Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have corrected the genetic alteration causing sickle cell disease by using a patient's own stem cells. The team found four working iPS cell lines containing correct copies of the hemoglobin gene and successfully converted them into immature red blood cells.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalBlood·DateSep 28, 2011

Stanford researchers create first human heart cells that can be paced with light

Researchers at Stanford Medicine have engineered human heart cells that respond to light, using optogenetics. These light-sensitive cells could lead to a new class of pacemakers and genetically matched replacement heart cells, potentially replacing traditional electrical pacemakers and addressing tissue rejection issues.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateSep 20, 2011
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Study reveals critical similarity between two types of do-it-all stem cells

Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison report 99% protein similarity between two types of do-it-all stem cells, shedding light on their potential applications in cell replacement therapies. The study measured over 6,000 proteins using mass spectrometry and provides insights into their biological role.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Methods·DateSep 11, 2011

Fetal tissue plays pivotal role in formation of insulin-producing cells

Scientists at UCSF discover that fetal tissue, called mesenchyme, secretes chemicals essential for mature beta cell formation. This breakthrough may lead to new ways of addressing Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, including generating fully functional beta cells from stem cells or increasing beta cell numbers in people with Type 2 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 6, 2011

Key protein reveals secret of stem cell pluripotency

Researchers identified a protein that helps maintain mouse stem cell pluripotency by activating signal pathways via CC chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2). This finding offers insights into cultivating human iPS/ES cells without feeder cells, reducing the risk of contamination and health risks.

SourceRIKEN·JournalStem Cells·DateSep 5, 2011
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

New roles emerge for non-coding RNAs in directing embryonic development

Scientists discover large RNAs regulate embryonic development by physically interacting with proteins, suggesting a critical role in developmental decisions. The study reveals that lincRNAs may play similar roles in most cells and could be engineered to target key genes in disease.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature·DateAug 28, 2011

In cell culture, like real estate, the neighborhood matters

Researchers have created a more precise system for growing cells by replacing neighboring cells and extracellular matrix with synthetics. This approach reduces uncertainty and biological contamination, facilitating the formation of artificial tissues.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateAug 28, 2011

Stem cells derived from human amniotic fluid hold promise

Researchers have discovered that human amniotic fluid-derived stem cells (hAECs) can differentiate into various cell types, including those found in the lungs. Transplanted hAECs were shown to reduce pulmonary fibrosis and enhance lung regeneration in animal models of lung disease.

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateAug 24, 2011

'Open wide' for new stem cell potential

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered that oral mucosa stem cells can be manipulated into fetal-like stem cells with high therapeutic potential for treating neurodegenerative, heart, and autoimmune diseases. The cells can be derived from a small biopsy of tissue and show minimal discomfort and healing time.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalStem Cells·DateAug 23, 2011
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Cells derived from pluripotent stem cells are developmentally immature

Researchers found that human embryonic stem cell-derived cells bear striking differences from human tissue cells in gene expression, functionality, and appearance. The cells' developmental maturity is also a concern, particularly for transplantation and disease modeling, as they may not mature to the same levels as adult cells.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCell Research·DateAug 16, 2011
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Making sperm from stem cells in a dish

Scientists have successfully turned mouse embryonic stem cells into healthy sperm by coaxing them into primordial germ cells. This breakthrough allows for the potential creation of fertile offspring using induced pluripotent stem cells from adult skin cells.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateAug 4, 2011

A patient's own skin cells may one day treat multiple diseases

UC Davis investigator provides roadmap to overcome obstacles for using induced pluripotent stem cells to treat various human diseases. The technology has the potential to bypass immunological problems inherent in traditional stem cell therapy.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateAug 4, 2011

Gladstone scientist converts human skin cells into functional brain cells

A scientist at the Gladstone Institutes has discovered a way to convert human skin cells into brain cells, offering new hope for regenerative medicine and personalized drug discovery. The breakthrough discovery allows for efficient and robust methods to transform adult skin cells into neurons capable of transmitting brain signals.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 28, 2011
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Hebrew U. scientists show for first time how early human embryo acquires its shape

Researchers at Hebrew University have successfully identified and isolated 'organizer' cells in human embryos, which are responsible for determining the shape of the embryo during development. This breakthrough could lead to better understanding of embryonic development and potential applications in treating spinal damage.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalStem Cells·DateJul 19, 2011

USC research: Cancer cells and stem cells share same origin

Scientists at USC have proven that oncogenes can convert normal cells into stem-like cells, leading to a new approach in treating diseases with stem cell therapy. The study successfully converted human skin cells into brain cells by suppressing p53, suggesting it determines cell fate rather than only cancer outcome.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 18, 2011

Stem cell study reveals complexity of glue molecule's role in cancer

A recent stem cell study has found that the protein molecule E-cadherin, which plays a key role in cancer, also regulates up to 25% of genes within cells. This unexpected discovery could lead to new cancer treatments by understanding why some cancer cells are difficult to eradicate.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 14, 2011

Ready, go!

Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research discovered the role of Super Elongation Complex (SEC) in controlling gene expression during early development. They found that SEC facilitates coordinated and rapid induction of genes, including Hox genes, which are essential for embryonic development.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalGenes & Development·DateJul 14, 2011
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Stem cell 'memory' can boost insulin levels

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered that adult-derived stem cells can retain 'memories' of their pancreatic beta cell origins, making them more efficient at producing insulin. This breakthrough may pave the way for new treatment options for juvenile or type 1 diabetes.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 13, 2011

New model for studying germ cell tumors in testes enlists embryonic stem cells

Researchers have created a new model to study germ cell tumors in testes by transplanting embryonic stem cells into mouse models. The resulting tumors mimic the early stages of tumor development and offer valuable insights into the genetic regulation of these cancers. This approach has potential applications for developing novel therap...

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateJul 11, 2011

Early embryos can correct genetic abnormalities during development

Researchers found that early embryos with chromosomal abnormalities can undergo a process of genetic normalization, leading to the correction of errors. This discovery has significant implications for preimplantation genetic screening and future stem cell treatments.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·DateJul 5, 2011

Moving beyond embryonic stem cells: Encouragement on the horizon

Researchers have successfully reprogrammed adult body cells into iPS cells, which can be taken directly from each patient and genetically redirected to replace ailing cells. While iPS technology holds promise, it still faces challenges and is not yet ready for widespread use.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateJul 5, 2011
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Mutations can spur dangerous identity crisis in cells

Researchers at U-M found that mutations caused by aging or disease can lead to a loss of cell identity, resulting in gene expression changes. This instability can have significant impacts on physiological functions, including arrhythmia in mice.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 1, 2011

New technique advances bioprinting of cells

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have developed a new automated bioprinting approach that improves the uniformity and control of embryonic stem cell droplet size. The method delivers faster droplet formation, printing 160 droplets per second compared to traditional manual pipetting methods.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalBiomicrofluidics·DateJul 1, 2011
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Leftover embryonic cells connect gastric reflux and cancer

Research reveals that leftover embryonic cells found in all adults may be precursors of deadly esophageal cancers, including Barrett's esophagus. The study suggests targeting these precursor cells as a potential strategy for stopping the disease before it starts.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJun 23, 2011

A knockout resource for mouse genetics

A international consortium has developed a novel method to target specific genes in mouse embryonic stem cells, allowing for the disruption of almost 9,000 genes. This resource will enable researchers to study gene activity in models of human disease, advancing our understanding of gene function and its role in mammalian biology.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature·DateJun 15, 2011

UCSF stem cell, cancer scientist honored for pioneering studies

Robert Blelloch's groundbreaking research on microRNAs in embryonic stem cells and cancer has shed light on the molecular mechanisms regulating cell fate transitions. His work holds promise for developing new therapeutic strategies, including inducing adult cells to de-differentiate into pluripotent stem cells.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateJun 15, 2011
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Sniffing out a new source of stem cells

Researchers have found that adult stem cells from the human olfactory system can provide a new source of cells to treat brain disorders. These cells, known as OE-MSCs, have been shown to migrate to damaged areas and stimulate nerve cell growth, improving learning and memory in mice.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 13, 2011

Social scientists study impact of human adult stem cell research

Researchers found that studying both types of stem cells has become more common, with a growing proportion of papers combining adult and embryonic stem cells. This means that banning either type of research could harm the field overall. The study suggests that federal funding for one area could negatively impact the other.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalCell·DateJun 10, 2011