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TET proteins drive early neurogenesis

Researchers have discovered that TET proteins, which modify methyl groups attached to cytosine, influence gene expression and facilitate the removal of these marks. This dynamic modulation is critical for driving developmental gene expression programs in early embryos, particularly in neural tissue formation.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 7, 2016

What happens in the cell nucleus after fertilization

Researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum München found a mechanism controlling cell division after fertilization, allowing for diverse cellular development. The study reveals that the molecule Suv4-20h2 attaches methyl groups to histones, arresting cell progression and enabling totipotency.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalGenes & Development·DateDec 6, 2016

Controlling gene activity in human development

Researchers at the Babraham Institute used CRISPR to delete PRC2 from human embryonic stem cells, revealing its role in keeping genes switched off until needed. Loss of PRC2 caused compromised cell quality and specialisation into mature cell types.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 6, 2016

Using the force

Scientists at UCSB developed a powerful new technique to measure the mechanical properties of cells in living tissues, shedding light on how cells respond to biochemical and mechanical cues. The method reveals that cells perceive their natural habitat as a fluid-like environment, with varying stiffness and viscosity along the body axis.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Methods·DateDec 5, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The Goldilocks effect in aging research

Scientists found that a balance of telomere elongation and trimming in stem cells is necessary for optimal telomere length. Over-elongated telomeres accumulate DNA damage and can lead to cancer. The study deepens understanding of stem cell biology and has implications for regenerative medicine and aging research.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateDec 5, 2016

Enough is enough -- stem cell factor Nanog knows when to slow down

Researchers found that more Nanog protein in cells leads to less reproduction, contradicting previous assumptions. The study uses an algorithm called STILT to analyze time-resolved protein expression data, revealing a negative feedback loop that regulates Nanog's activity.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalCell Systems·DateNov 25, 2016

Short RNA molecules mapped in single cell

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have measured the absolute numbers of short, non-coding, RNA sequences in individual embryonic stem cells, revealing their precise function. The new method could lead to improved IVF treatments by identifying embryos with the best chance of development.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 1, 2016

Vitamins A and C help erase cell memory

Researchers discovered vitamins A and C enhance epigenetic memory erasure by increasing TET enzyme activity, a crucial step for regenerative medicine. The study provides insights into the mechanisms of vitamin A and C action, with potential implications for treating vitamin A-resistant acute promyelocytic leukemia.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 2016
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Research gives hope to those with head and facial deformities

A new study from the University of California, Berkeley, reveals that calcium plays a major role in regulating bone growth and development. By understanding the signaling mechanisms involved, researchers hope to develop regenerative therapies for conditions such as Treacher Collins Syndrome, which can lead to dozens of surgeries during...

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalCell·DateOct 6, 2016

Genomic imprinting gets complicated in adults

A recent study found that genomic imprinting, a process silencing one set of parental genes, can be regulated in adult tissues. The researchers observed variation in epigenetic marks between cell types, indicating a need for fine-tuned gene expression in different tissues throughout development and adulthood.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 3, 2016
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.

Immune-matched stem cells prevent rejection of retinal transplants in animals

Scientists in Japan have successfully demonstrated the transplantation of stem cell-derived retinal cells generated from immunologically matched donor animals without the need for harmful immunosuppressants. MHC-mismatched grafts produced tissue damage and signs of immune rejection, while matched grafts survived without immunosuppression.

SourceCell Press·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateSep 15, 2016

New method creates endless supply of kidney precursor cells

Salk Institute scientists have discovered a method to create unlimited numbers of precursor kidney cells using a three-dimensional culture and new supporting molecules. These early-stage kidney cells could be used to grow replacement kidney tissue for studying and treating diseases.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateAug 25, 2016
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GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Microcephaly discoveries made in non-Zika cases help explain abnormal brain growth

Researchers identify citron kinase as key to building a normally sized human brain, finding mutations associated with severe microcephaly and lissencephaly. Studying stem cells and human brain tissue provides clues to the condition's origins, paving the way for further research into its causes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateAug 5, 2016

Embryonic gene Nanog reverses aging in adult stem cells

Researchers discovered that introducing the embryonic gene Nanog into aged stem cells can reverse cellular processes associated with age-related disorders, such as weak bones and clogged arteries. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for conditions like Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalStem Cells·DateJul 25, 2016

Defining what it means to be a naive stem cell

Researchers developed a method to revert and maintain human ESCs in a naive state, closely resembling that of mouse ESCs. The team assembled a checklist of characteristics human ESCs must have to be considered naive, including gene expression, DNA methylation, and X chromosome inactivation.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 14, 2016

Four steps for validating stem cells

Scientists have created a four-step process to determine accurate signatures of human embryonic stem cells, relating them to precise developmental stages. The key steps involve analyzing transposable elements and DNA methylation state to assess pluripotency.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 14, 2016
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Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Gauging stem cells for regenerative medicine

Scientists developed guidelines to evaluate laboratory-generated stem cells, finding that no current methods produce truly naïve embryonic cells. The new criteria may aid researchers in achieving this goal, which could benefit both basic research and medical applications of stem cells.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 14, 2016

Anatomy of a decision

Researchers have created an atlas of gene expression during early mammalian development using single-cell sequencing. This new tool allows for direct observations of individual cells, enabling scientists to map healthy cells against those with genetic abnormalities, shedding light on the causes of birth defects.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory - European Bioinformatics Institute·JournalNature·DateJul 6, 2016

Starving stem cells may enable scientists to build better blood vessels

Researchers have discovered a technique to improve the function of engineered organs and tissues by starving stem cells of glutamine, leading to more mature and functional endothelial cells. This method may prove useful for tissue engineering, particularly in the creation of functional blood vessels from human embryonic stem cells.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 23, 2016
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.

Finding new clues to a sugar suspect in birth defects

Researchers found that glucosamine plays a critical role in early embryonic development, helping embryos proliferate normally. This could aid in avoiding birth defects in diabetic pregnancies and improving future stem-cell treatments. Glucosamine is also essential for embryonic cells to grow and develop.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 22, 2016

African subterranean animal exhibits 'extraordinary' cancer resistance

Scientists discovered a unique tumour-suppressor gene, alternative reading frame (ARF), that remains active in naked mole rat induced pluripotent stem cells. Reprogramming these cells into human-like iPSCs may lead to safer cell-based therapeutics by avoiding tumour formation.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 16, 2016

Lab-grown nerve cells make heart cells throb

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully grown lab-grown human nerve cells that can partner with heart muscle cells to stimulate contractions. The nerve cells, derived from pluripotent stem cells, were found to connect with and control heart muscle cells, similar to their natural counterparts.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJun 16, 2016

A gene called Prkci helps organize organisms and their organs

Researchers found that Prkci gene plays a crucial role in organizing cells into balls and tubes during early embryo and organ formation. By mixing functional Prkci with cells lacking it, they restored normal polarity, suggesting an unknown molecular signal was transmitted to disoriented cells.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalDevelopmental Biology·DateJun 13, 2016
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.

Neural stem cell transplants promote Parkinson's recovery in non-human primates

Human parthenogenetic stem cells derived from unfertilized oocytes can be used to generate unlimited supply of neural stem cells for transplantation. The study found that grafting these cells into non-human primates with Parkinson's disease promoted behavioral recovery and increased dopamine concentrations.

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateJun 7, 2016

Biologists find how plants reconstitute stem cells

A team of biologists at New York University found that plants can reconstitute their stem cells from mature cells by replaying embryonic development. This process involves the recruitment of specialized cells to create a new set of stem cells, highlighting the importance of tissue behavior over stem cell properties.

SourceNew York University·JournalCell·DateMay 19, 2016
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.

Placental RNA may help protect embryo from viruses, Penn study finds

Researchers have identified a long non-coding RNA in the placenta that plays a crucial role in protecting the unborn baby from invading pathogens. The lncRNA, called lncRHOXF1, regulates the immune response and appears to be sensing and modulating its expression based on the presence of viruses.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalMolecular and Cellular Biology·DateMay 9, 2016
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.

Advance could help grow stem cells more safely

Brown University bioengineers have developed a synthetic bed that works as well as traditional mouse cells without contamination risk. The innovation allows for the cultivation of human embryonic stem cells more safely and could lead to advances in stem cell therapies.

SourceBrown University·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateMay 2, 2016

Stem cells know how to open up and unwind

Research found that heterochromatin organisation in embryonic stem cells is maintained in an open form through the action of key stem cell factors. This open architecture may contribute to keeping stem cells unspecialised and full of developmental potential.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalGenes & Development·DateApr 28, 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.

Cell transplant treats Parkinson's in mice under control of designer drug

A University of Wisconsin-Madison neuroscientist has successfully inserted a genetic switch into nerve cells to regulate dopamine production with designer drugs. This breakthrough could lead to the development of a new Parkinson's disease treatment and expand its application to other conditions.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateApr 28, 2016

Micro heart muscle created from stem cells

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes develop a new method to create three-dimensional human heart tissue from stem cells, addressing limitations of existing techniques. This breakthrough enables scientists to study heart cells in their proper context, enhancing the discovery of treatments for heart disease.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 20, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Fresh insights into early human embryo development

Researchers have made significant discoveries about early human embryo development, finding that genes on the X chromosome are regulated differently in humans than in mice. This new understanding is crucial for the use of embryonic stem cells in regenerative medicine.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell·DateApr 7, 2016

Growing skin in the lab

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.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 1, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Drug makes stem cells become 'embryonic' again

Researchers have developed a drug that can erase epigenetic markers on chromatin to restore the original state of stem cells in mice. The study shows that over half of mouse epiblast stem cells treated with the drug regained embryonic pluripotency, opening up new possibilities for regenerative medicine.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMar 17, 2016

Scientists generate a new type of human stem cell that has half a genome

Researchers at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem have successfully generated a new type of embryonic stem cell carrying a single copy of the human genome. These haploid stem cells are pluripotent and retain a single set of chromosomes, offering a powerful tool for genetic analysis and potential therapies for diseases.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature·DateMar 16, 2016

Scientists generate a new type of human stem cell that has half a genome

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have successfully generated a new type of human embryonic stem cell carrying a single copy of the human genome. These 'haploid' stem cells show potential as a powerful tool for genetic analysis in biomedical fields such as cancer research and precision medicine.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature·DateMar 16, 2016
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.

Mount Sinai researchers report insights into blood stem cells from engineered stem cells

Researchers at Mount Sinai identified precursor cells in mice embryos that can be matured into hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) using reprogramming technology. This breakthrough could lead to the development of patient-specific HSPCs for cell-replacement therapy and alleviate the need for transplantable stem cells.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateMar 8, 2016

New method for producing heart cells may hold the key to treating heart failure

Scientists at Gladstone Institutes discover a new type of cell that can organically develop into heart cells and replicate. The induced expandable cardiovascular progenitor cells (ieCPCs) significantly improved heart function in mice after a heart attack, offering a promising potential treatment for heart failure.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMar 3, 2016

MSU discovers a new kind of stem cell

Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered a new type of induced Xen (iXEN) stem cells that can be created by reprogramming mature adult cells. These cells have unique properties and can shed light on reproductive diseases, potentially leading to advances in regenerative medicine.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateMar 3, 2016
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.

Stem cell technique makes sperm in a dish

Researchers successfully generated functioning sperm-like cells from mouse embryonic stem cells and produced fertile offspring, providing a potential platform for treating male infertility. The breakthrough overcomes major obstacles to producing functional sperm and egg cells in a dish.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateFeb 25, 2016

'Big data' helps to discover key factors driving blood cell specification

Researchers at the University of Birmingham have identified key regulators of blood cell development using a 'big data' approach. By studying six consecutive stages of development, they discovered previous unknown regulators and explained how regulatory elements work together to drive gene expression and stage transitions.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateFeb 25, 2016

Oncogene controls stem cells in early embryonic development

Scientists have discovered that deactivating the MYC oncogene can induce a dormant state in embryonic stem cells, similar to diapause, allowing them to survive without growth or metabolism. This finding has implications for controlling cancer stem cells and metastasis.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalCell·DateFeb 15, 2016

Hydrogels can put stem cells to sleep

Researchers have developed a method to halt stem cell growth using soft hydrogels that mimic the natural protective layer of mucus. This process, inspired by embryonic diapause in certain mammals, allows for easy storage and shipment of stem cells.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateFeb 10, 2016

Breakthrough in generating embryonic cells that are critical for human health

A new study provides a reliable method to generate neural crest cells in just five days from human embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent cells. The research highlights the critical role of WNT signals, FGF and BMP pathways, and sheds light on the initiation of neural crest cell formation.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalDevelopment·DateFeb 3, 2016
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.

New method for detecting and preserving human stem cells in the lab

Researchers at the University of Bath have developed a method to detect and preserve human pluripotent stem cells in the laboratory. This breakthrough allows for easier acquisition and cultivation of these rare cells, which can potentially be used to develop pioneering treatments for various diseases.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalNature Protocols·DateFeb 1, 2016

New biomarker to assess stem cells developed

A team of scientists at UCL has discovered a way to fast-track the screening of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) using DNA methylation as a biomarker. This new approach can help identify 'good' and 'bad' cell lines, which is crucial for laboratory research and potential cell replacement therapies.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 29, 2016