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Reproducing higher-order embryonic kidney structures using pluripotent stem cells

A Japanese research group develops a method to induce ureteric buds from pluripotent stem cells and successfully reproduces the higher-order structure of the kidney. This achievement is a significant step towards regenerating functional kidneys, which could potentially treat millions of patients with chronic kidney disease.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateDec 18, 2017

How Zika virus induces congenital microcephaly

An international team of researchers identified a specific mechanism leading to Zika virus-associated microcephaly, involving protein misfolding and endoplasmic reticulum stress. This triggers the unfolded protein response, promoting apoptosis in neuronal cells and reducing cortical neuron development.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 11, 2017
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.

Suite of Monash papers shed light on decade-long stem cell mystery

A series of studies by Monash University researcher Jose Polo have unveiled new evidence in the decade-long mystery of cell reprogramming. The researchers found that the route to pluripotency depended on the original cell type, with different cell types requiring different approaches. This breakthrough has important implications for re...

SourceMonash University·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateDec 7, 2017

Subtle cues can dictate the fate of stem cells

Researchers discovered that inhibiting two forms of GSK3 can promote stem cell self-renewal or trigger differentiation into neural cells. The findings have implications for developing targeted therapies for diseases such as diabetes and Alzheimer's, and could lead to the production of human stem cells with specific properties.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateDec 4, 2017

Scientists reveal rules for making ribs

Researchers from USC discovered that the levels of Hedgehog protein determine whether cells form bone or cartilage in developing ribs. High Hh concentrations favor bone formation, while lower concentrations promote cartilage growth.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·DateNov 28, 2017
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.

Beating heart patch is large enough to repair the human heart

Biomedical engineers at Duke University have successfully grown a fully functional artificial human heart muscle large enough to patch over damaged tissue. The breakthrough enables therapies to replace lost muscle after a heart attack, which currently leaves patients with scar tissue that cannot transmit electrical signals or contract.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 28, 2017

Stem cell therapy shows promise for common cause of blindness

Researchers from Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center and Bascom Palmer Eye Institute conducted two clinical trials using human embryonic stem cells to treat dry macular degeneration, a leading cause of new blindness. The studies showed that stem cell injection into the eye replaced damaged cells and improved vision in some patients.

SourceAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology·DateNov 14, 2017

How to turn damaged heart tissue back into healthy heart muscle: New details emerge

Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have made a breakthrough in understanding the molecular changes that occur during cell fate conversion from fibroblast to cardiomyocyte. They used single-cell RNA sequencing technology, mathematical modeling, and genetic approaches to identify key regulators and pathways involved in the process.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature·DateOct 25, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A new role for insulin as a vital factor in maintaining stem cells

A new study reveals that insulin is essential for preserving pluripotent stem cells' ability to become any cell type. Insufficient insulin leads to a specialized endoderm cell type, similar to early embryonic cells, suggesting potential importance in human development and pregnancy.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateSep 26, 2017

Post-heart attack: How can scar tissue be turned back into healthy heart muscle?

Scientists at UNC School of Medicine compare two reprogramming techniques to generate patient-specific cardiomyocytes, finding that one method produces cells with embryonic cell signatures while the other yields cells with adult characteristics. This knowledge is crucial for developing new therapies and understanding cardiac disease.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 26, 2017
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.

How to grow a spine

A team of researchers at Harvard Medical School has created a stable version of the segmentation clock in a petri dish, revealing its dynamic nature and control mechanisms. The discovery could lead to improved understanding of scoliosis and other human spinal defects.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·DateSep 26, 2017

A 'social control' system guarantees embryonic stem cell purity

A novel image analysis tool allowed researchers to observe which cells become 'losers' in cell competition and die, while others survive with higher Myc levels. This discovery reveals the importance of Myc levels in maintaining pluripotency during mammalian embryonic development.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateSep 25, 2017

HHMI selects 15 Hanna Gray Fellows to support diversity in science

The HHMI Hanna Gray Fellows Program supports 15 early career scientists from underrepresented groups with up to $1.4 million in funding over eight years. Fellows will receive mentoring and active involvement within the HHMI community, aiming to drive real change in academia.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·DateSep 19, 2017

How a nutrient, glutamine, can control gene programs in cells

Researchers have discovered how glutamine controls gene programs in cells, revealing a new mechanism of differentiation and gene regulation. This finding has significant implications for understanding developmental biology, the immune response, and cancer dysregulation.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalImmunity·DateAug 15, 2017
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.

A way to stabilize haploidy in animal cells

Researchers at CNIO have developed a way to stabilize haploidy in animal cells, overcoming the issue of quick loss of genetic stability. By removing the p53 tumor suppressor gene, the group increases the survival rate of these cells, thereby stabilizing their haploid state.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 2017

Noise helps cells make decisions

A new study by the Reik lab finds that genetic noise is essential for cells to make decisions about their fate, enabling symmetry breaking and unique cell types.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 1, 2017
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

The earliest stages of life might be simpler than we thought

Researchers have discovered that mammalian cells can build an embryo by making four simple decisions, including counting their neighboring cells. This simplified understanding of embryonic development challenges traditional theories and offers new insights into evolution.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 13, 2017

Newly identified small RNA fragments defend the genome when it's 'naked'

A team from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has discovered small RNA fragments that protect the genome from retrotransposons during epigenetic reprogramming in preimplantation embryos. These fragments, consisting of 18 and 22 nucleotides, are perfect complements of sequences within retrotransposons.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCell·DateJun 29, 2017

What makes stem cells into perfect allrounders

Researchers have discovered that Pramel7 protein is responsible for maintaining embryonic stem cells' perfect pluripotency. This discovery holds promise for developing treatments for complex bone fractures.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJun 27, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Two-part system turns stem cells into whatever you want

A new two-part system turns embryonic or adult stem cells into the desired target cell type, reproducing flawlessly. The system uses a DNA plasmid that makes cells glow green when exposed to blue light, allowing researchers to track its removal and control gene expression.

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 5, 2017
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Let there be tissue

UCSB researchers have developed a new method to control gene expression in embryonic stem cells using light, allowing for the precise engineering of tissues. This breakthrough could lead to novel therapeutic applications and insights into tissue development.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 15, 2017

Researchers identify gene that controls birth defect common in diabetes

Researchers have identified a gene, Prkca, that plays a key role in the formation of neural tube defects, commonly found in infants of pregnant women with diabetes. The study's findings may lead to new methods for reducing risk and potentially prevent these birth defects.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 5, 2017

Identical twins; not-so-identical stem cells

Researchers found that even though iPSCs derived from identical twins have the same genes, they have distinct epigenetic markers, particularly near MYC binding sites. This discovery helps scientists better understand the processes involved in reprogramming cells and the differences between iPSCs and ESCs.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateApr 19, 2017

ERC advanced grant for Carl-Philipp Heisenberg

Biologist Carl-Philipp Heisenberg has been awarded an ERC advanced grant to study the interplay between gene regulatory networks and physical processes in embryonic development. His research will focus on gastrulation, a critical phase of embryonic development where cells are transformed into distinct layers.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·DateApr 7, 2017
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.

Where does your blood actually come from?

Scientists at Lund University have developed a new understanding of how human blood cells form during embryonic development, showing that endothelial cells undergo dramatic changes to become blood cells. The research provides critical insights into the origins of blood and its regulation in development.

SourceLund University·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 6, 2017

Salk scientists expand ability of stem cells to regrow any tissue type

Salk scientists have discovered a chemical cocktail that enables cultured mouse and human stem cells to generate both embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues. This breakthrough could lead to better disease modeling, drug discovery, and tissue regeneration, particularly in the field of organ regeneration.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateApr 6, 2017

New tools to study the origin of embryonic stem cells

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a new tool to distinguish between immature and mature embryonic stem cells. These cells hold great potential for replacing damaged tissue and understanding early embryonic development.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMar 23, 2017

A tale of 2 states

Human embryonic stem cells exist in two states: naïve and primed. Researchers have identified molecular flags on these cells, allowing them to track and investigate their transition. This approach has revealed new insights into the timing and coordination of gene activity changes during reprogramming.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMar 23, 2017
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Parasitic fish offer evolutionary insights

A team of scientists from Caltech has found that lamprey gut neurons originate from cells called Schwann cell precursors, challenging the long-held theory that these cells give rise to vagal neural crest cells. This discovery offers insights into the evolutionary origins of vertebrates and their digestive systems.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateMar 20, 2017

Researchers make old gut stem cells grow like young ones in a dish

Researchers have successfully rejuvenated old gut stem cells by restoring Wnt signaling, suggesting a potential pathway to target for clinicians. This breakthrough offers new insights into the role of Wnt proteins in controlling stem cell growth and pluripotency in the gut later in life.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 14, 2017
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Molecular biology: Fingerprinting cell identities

Researchers compared six methods for single-cell RNA sequencing and found that some commercial kits are ten times more expensive than homemade versions. The choice of method depends on the experiment's conditions and demands. This study is valuable for further developing the technology, particularly in the Human Cell Atlas project.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalMolecular Cell·DateFeb 20, 2017

New studies unravel mysteries of how PARP enzymes work

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that PARP-1 enzyme plays a crucial role in inhibiting fat cell formation and maintaining embryonic stem cells. The study highlights the importance of PARP-1 in normal physiological processes and its potential as a target for treating metabolic disorders.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalMolecular Cell·DateFeb 16, 2017
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.

Possible key to regeneration found in planaria's origins

A new report from the Stowers Institute for Medical Research has discovered that adult planarian stem cells called neoblasts arise during a specific stage of embryonic development. These cells retain the ability to access embryonic developmental programs during adulthood, allowing them to drive regeneration of lost body parts.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·DateFeb 13, 2017

The origin of stem cells

Researchers at the University of Freiburg have discovered how shoot stem cells form in plants, a process similar to animals. The transcription factor WOX2 regulates the balance between plant hormones cytokinin and auxin, allowing stem cells to maintain their unlimited potential for development.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateFeb 8, 2017

Researchers engineer new thyroid cells

Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine have discovered an efficient way to generate thyroid cells using genetically modified embryonic stem cells. The findings, published in Stem Cell Reports, are the first step towards developing a protocol using human stem cells to model thyroid disease and develop therapies.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateFeb 2, 2017
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.

Gene key for chemically reprogramming human stem cells

Researchers at UCL and Heinrich Heine University have discovered the OCT4 gene essential for chemically reprogramming human amniotic stem cells. The process allows these cells to be rejuvenated and function like embryonic stem cells, providing a promising alternative for therapies and research.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateJan 26, 2017

Scientists use stem cells to create human/pig chimera embryos

Researchers at Salk Institute successfully created human/pig chimeras, offering insights into early human development and potential applications for drug testing. The achievement marks an important step towards growing functional tissues and organs for regenerative medicine.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJan 26, 2017

Metabolic pathway regulating key stage of embryo development revealed

A metabolic pathway regulating the formation of a crucial embryonic structure has been discovered, shedding light on how embryos develop and how certain drugs can affect pregnancy. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding statin use in pregnant women and may lead to safer drug regimens.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 17, 2017

Scientists reprogram embryonic stem cells to expand their potential cell fates

Scientists have found a way to reprogram mouse embryonic stem cells to mimic the developmental characteristics of fertilized eggs, also known as zygotes. This breakthrough reveals a novel mechanism regulating totipotency and provides a powerful cell-culture system to further study early embryo development.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateJan 13, 2017
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

The promise and peril of emerging reproductive technologies

Emerging reproductive technologies like IVG hold promise for treating infertility and diseases, but also raise scientific, legal, and ethical challenges. The authors call for proactively addressing these concerns to ensure the technology is developed responsibly.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 11, 2017

Understanding X-chromosome silencing in humans

Scientists have discovered a new long RNA molecule, XACT, which accumulates with XIST on active X-chromosomes in human embryos. This finding explains why XIST is unable to trigger X-chromosome silencing until later stages of development. The research also reveals that XACT restrains XIST activity before chromosome silencing occurs.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateDec 15, 2016
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Turning back time: Salk scientists reverse signs of aging

Researchers at the Salk Institute have discovered that intermittent expression of genes normally associated with an embryonic state can reverse the hallmarks of old age. This approach resulted in the rejuvenation of mice with a premature aging disease, countering signs of aging and increasing their lifespan by 30%. The early-stage work...

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateDec 15, 2016

Researchers turn back the clock on human embryonic stem cells

Johns Hopkins scientists successfully created more-flexible human embryonic stem cells by dosing conventional ESCs with a cocktail of three chemical inhibitors. The new cells exhibit features similar to those of classic mouse ESCs, enabling their potential use in therapies and genetic disease modeling.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalDevelopment·DateDec 14, 2016