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Converting scar tissue to heart muscle after a heart attack

Researchers from the University of Tsukuba have demonstrated the direct conversion of scar tissue cells to heart muscle cells in mice after a heart attack. This breakthrough finding suggests that fibroblasts can be directly reprogrammed into cardiomyocytes, potentially preventing heart failure and death.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalCirculation·DateJun 1, 2021

New type of cell contributes to increased understanding of ALS

Researchers have identified a connection between perivascular fibroblast cells and ALS disease onset, suggesting a correlation between elevated protein marker SPP1 levels and aggressive disease process. This discovery has potential implications for earlier diagnoses and future treatments.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Medicine·DateApr 15, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New insights into wound healing process

Researchers observed fibroblasts circling the edge of the wound for about 50 hours, when cells began to close the void. Fibroblasts were found to be the primary drivers of wound closure, with endothelial cells playing a supporting role.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Bioengineering·DateJan 19, 2021

Study: Childhood chemo alters heart's caretaker cells

Researchers at UT Health San Antonio discovered that childhood chemotherapy changes the function of cells that repair heart injury, leading to increased risk of heart failure in survivors. The study found that damage to these cells may contribute to late effects seen in childhood cancer survivors when they become adults.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 29, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Discovery of cells that heal cardiac damage after infarction

A study by Cima and Clinica Universidad de Navarra has identified reparative cardiac fibroblasts that play a crucial role in repairing the heart after an infarction. These cells are activated when a patient suffers a heart attack, producing a collagen scar to prevent rupture of the ventricular wall.

SourceUniversidad de Navarra·JournalCirculation·DateSep 29, 2020

The brain can induce diabetes remission in rodents, but how?

Researchers found that fibroblast growth factor 1 repairs damaged perineuronal nets in the brain, a critical response required for sustained diabetes remission. The discovery sheds light on the intricate biology of the brain's response to the protein and may lead to more effective diabetes treatments.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature Metabolism·DateSep 7, 2020

A soft-hearted approach to healing

Cardiac fibroblasts can be directly reprogrammed to form beating heart muscle cells on soft surfaces that match the elasticity of native myocardium. This approach shows increased functional maturation and spontaneously beating iCMs, with implications for treating heart failure and myocardial infarction.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateAug 30, 2020

Cell death in porpoises caused by environmental pollutants

Researchers isolated fibroblast cells from a stranded finless porpoise to predict the threat of environmental pollutants to its population. The study found that pollutants like PCBs and DDTs induce cell death and can cause cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and reduced cell viability.

SourceEhime University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 20, 2020
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.

Cardiac scar tissue: A factor which regulates its size

Researchers at Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation have identified collagen V as a key factor regulating cardiac scar tissue size after a heart attack. The study found that fibroblasts without collagen V produce larger, more irregularly-structured scars, leading to reduced shrinkage and increased risk of complications.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalCell·DateJul 13, 2020

Researchers identify 'hot spots' for developing lymphatic vessels

A team of researchers has identified fibroblasts as the primary cells producing VEGF-C processing enzymes in zebrafish embryos. This discovery sheds light on lymphatic vessel development and may have implications for human diseases, including lymphoedema and cancer metastasis.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 11, 2020

Biochemical alterations revealed in patients with Lesch-Nyhan disease

Researchers have discovered biochemical alterations in skin cells, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with Lesch-Nyhan disease. High levels of folic acid reversed these alterations in cell cultures, suggesting a possible treatment strategy.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 4, 2020
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.

Rejuvenated fibroblasts can recover the ability to contract

Researchers at the National University of Singapore have developed a method to rejuvenate fibroblasts by geometrically confining them on micropatterns. The resulting cells recover their ability to contract and exhibit reduced DNA damage and enhanced cytoskeletal gene expression.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 26, 2020

Study reveals disparity between fibroblasts of different pancreatic diseases

Fibroblasts from distinct pancreatic diseases exhibit distinct genetic profiles and gene expression patterns, highlighting the importance of using disease-specific fibroblasts for research. The study also identifies a potential biomarker for distinguishing between pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis.

SourcePancreatic Cancer Research Fund·JournalCancer Research·DateMay 18, 2020
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.

Fibroblasts involved in healing spur tumor growth in cancer

Fibroblasts play a crucial role in wound healing but also facilitate tumor growth and metastases in breast cancer. Inhibiting inflammatory signaling pathways may prevent metastatic relapse, say researchers from Tel Aviv University.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 19, 2019

How do scars form? Fascia function as a repository of mobile scar tissue

Researchers found that fascia tissue is the origin of scars and contains specialized fibroblasts that pre-assemble to heal wounds. This discovery challenges traditional views of wound healing and opens up new biological concepts for scar-related diseases, potentially leading to novel therapeutic approaches.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature·DateNov 27, 2019

Mayo scientists reverse fibrosis in preclinical studies

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have identified a way to slow and reverse fibrosis by targeting a dopamine receptor, which blocks the growth of scar-forming cells. The approach reversed fibrotic processes in lung and liver models, offering a new treatment concept for fibrotic diseases.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 30, 2019
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.

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.

New insights into the healing capacity of the heart

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that inactivating the Hippo pathway in cardiac fibroblasts promotes cardiac fibrosis and adversely affects cardiac function. This finding highlights the need for specific targeting of the Hippo pathway in cardiac muscle cells for safe and effective heart failure therapy.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalGenes & Development·DateSep 25, 2019

CU researchers identify potential target for cardiac fibrosis treatment

A research team at the University of Colorado School of Medicine has identified BRD4 as a central regulator of cardiac fibroblast activation. Chemical inhibitors of BRD4 potently block cardiac fibroblast activation, providing a potential therapeutic target for heart failure treatment.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalCirculation Research·DateSep 17, 2019
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.

Bioengineers explore cardiac tissue remodeling after aortic valve replacement procedures

Researchers create biomaterial-based models of heart tissues to understand the impact of aortic valve replacement procedures on cardiac tissue remodeling. The study reveals key proteins associated with myofibroblast deactivation and offers potential for developing innovative therapies for fibrotic diseases of the heart.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 11, 2019

CAR T-cell therapy may be harnessed to treat heart disease

Researchers at Penn Medicine successfully harnessed CAR T-cell therapy to target and remove activated cardiac fibroblasts, significantly reducing cardiac fibrosis and restoring heart function in mice with heart disease. The approach demonstrates potential for treating heart disease, a leading cause of death worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateSep 11, 2019

Special fibroblasts help pancreatic cancer cells evade immune detection

Researchers have identified a new type of fibroblast in pancreatic cancer tumors that can evade immune detection. The discovery, published in Cancer Discovery, highlights the complex role of these cells in protecting cancer cells and could lead to new therapeutic strategies.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCancer Discovery·DateJun 13, 2019

Key link discovered between tissue cell type and different forms of arthritis

Researchers have identified a crucial connection between specific fibroblast cells in the joint and two types of arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The discovery could lead to the development of targeted therapies that alter the behavior of these fibroblasts to reduce inflammation and tissue destruction.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature·DateMay 29, 2019
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.

Anti-inflammatory drug is the key to boosting cardiac reprogramming

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba identify diclofenac as a factor promoting cardiac reprogramming in postnatal and adult fibroblasts, while inhibiting COX-2 and suppressing inflammatory signaling. This finding has important implications for developing new therapies for cardiac regeneration in pediatric and adult patients.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 6, 2019

UCI-led study reveals how blood cells help wounds heal scar-free

A UCI-led study found that circulating blood cells play a crucial role in scar-free skin healing by assisting wounded skin repair. The research discovered diverse wound fibroblast sub-types, with some having molecular signatures of originating from blood cells.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 8, 2019

Gene-edited disease monkeys cloned in China

A team of scientists has successfully cloned gene-edited monkeys with disease phenotypes using somatic cell nuclear transfer. The monkeys, which exhibit circadian disorder phenotypes, can be used to study the pathogenesis and therapeutic treatments for human diseases such as sleep disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJan 23, 2019

UC San Diego researchers identify how skin ages, loses fat and immunity

Researchers discovered the pathway that causes dermal fibroblasts to lose their ability to convert into fat cells as people age. This process affects the skin's ability to fight infections, particularly bacterial ones like MRSA. The study may lead to new treatments for obesity, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalImmunity·DateDec 26, 2018
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Breast cancer recruits bone marrow cells to increase cancer cell proliferation

Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered that breast cancer tumors recruit stromal cells from bone marrow, boosting tumor cell proliferation and blood vessel formation. This finding highlights the potential for targeting these cells with novel therapies to treat the disease.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateDec 10, 2018

New dual-action cancer-killing virus

Researchers developed a dual-action virus that kills cancer cells while targeting adjacent fibroblasts shielding them from the immune system. The therapy showed promise in human cancer samples and mice without causing toxicity.

SourceMedical Research Council·JournalCancer Research·DateNov 18, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Turning cells against pancreatic cancer

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified molecular signals that can convert tumor-promoting fibroblasts into beneficial ones in pancreatic tumors. By manipulating these signals, they aim to recruit tumor-restricting cells into the anticancer fight and develop a combination therapy approach.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCancer Discovery·DateOct 26, 2018
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.

Researchers identify new arthritis severity gene

Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital discovered a new gene, HIP1, linked to disease severity in rheumatoid arthritis. The study found that knocking out the gene reduced synovial fibroblast invasiveness and protected against arthritis progression.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJul 26, 2018

Blocking the molecular source of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

A study from Michigan Medicine discovered that blocking a gene called FOXM1 can reduce the development of fibroblasts and fibrosis in IPF patients. The research used siomycin, an experimental compound designed to block FOXM1, which prevented fibrosis in mice with lung disease.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 8, 2018

Researchers from MIPT study a nanoscaffold for heart cells

Researchers from MIPT studied a nanofibrous scaffold's interaction with rat cardiac cells, finding cardiomyocytes envelop fibers on all sides, while fibroblasts only touch one side. This study contributes to heart tissue regeneration and regenerative medicine.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateMar 1, 2018
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.

Cardiac macrophages found to contribute to a currently untreatable type of heart failure

A Massachusetts General Hospital team discovered that macrophages, immune cells known for removing debris, are actively involved in the development of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Elevated levels of inflammatory cardiac macrophages were found in both mouse models and human patients with HFpEF.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateFeb 14, 2018

CNIO researchers discover a potential new therapeutic strategy for pancreatic cancer

CNIO researchers have identified a subpopulation of cancer-associated fibroblasts that foster tumour growth and discovered the Saa3 gene as a key player. Eliminating this gene reprograms the cells, losing their pro-tumour properties, opening a new avenue for therapeutic strategies.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2018

Pulmonary fibrosis caused by single transcription factor

Researchers at Max Planck Institute found reduced FoxO3 activity reprograms connective tissue cells, leading to pulmonary fibrosis. Boosting FoxO3 activity halted disease progression in mice, offering a potential treatment pathway.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateDec 26, 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.

Finding long strands of RNA in skin development and disease

A recent study by Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine identified specific lncRNAs that modulate connective tissue proteins like collagen in skin cells. The researchers found that these long non-coding RNAs work with the Wnt/β-catenin pathway to control gene expression, suggesting a new form of genetic control.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalFrontiers in Genetics·DateDec 6, 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 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.

Exploring periodontitis in patients with Chédiak-Higashi syndrome

A study explores the relationship between Chédiak-Higashi syndrome and periodontitis, revealing that LYST mutations affect TLRs and lead to a dysregulated immune response. Classic CHS patients with bone marrow transplantation exhibited mild chronic periodontitis, while atypical CHS patients showed no evidence of aggressive periodontitis.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJDR Clinical & Translational Research·DateAug 31, 2017

How Gata4 helps mend a broken heart

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that Gata4 can reduce post-heart attack fibrosis, leading to improved cardiac function in small animal models. The study's results suggest a novel role for Gata4 in heart regeneration and may lead to new treatments for heart failure.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·DateAug 14, 2017

Cancer cells force normal cells to mimic viruses to help tumors spread, resist treatment

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine identified a process where cancer cells instruct normal cells to act like viruses, enabling tumors to spread and resist treatment. This 'virus mimic' is detected in the blood of cancer patients and could explain why some breast cancers are more aggressive than others.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCell·DateJul 13, 2017
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.