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Vanillin flavouring in e-cigarettes disrupts human embryonic stem cell development

A study published in Human Reproduction found that vanillin, a common flavoring chemical in e-cigarettes, can disrupt the normal development of embryos in pregnant women who vape. High concentrations of vanillin caused cells to lose pluripotency and differentiate into endoderm, potentially leading to serious developmental issues.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2026

Aged granulosa cell derived iPSCs show impaired germ cell differentiation – ERK/MAPK inhibition partially rescues the defect

Researchers found that aged granulosa cells derived from iPSCs exhibit impaired germ cell differentiation due to age-related mitochondrial damage and nuclear ageing. However, inhibiting the ERK/MAPK pathway can partially rescue this defect, suggesting a promising strategy for improving germ cell regeneration.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateAug 12, 2026

Lab-grown human skin advances our understanding of the critical role of skin blood vessels in inflammation, repair, regeneration, and aging

Researchers have created lab-grown human skin organoids that can form complex microvascular networks similar to those in native human skin. These self-organizing structures function similarly to native skin, responding to inflammatory stimuli and re-growing after injury.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2026

Scientists create a universal vascular graft with stem cells to improve surgery for cardiovascular disease

Researchers at Wisconsin National Primate Research Center and Morgridge Institute for Research have developed a universal, small-diameter vascular graft using stem cell-derived arterial endothelial cells. The graft overcomes limitations of current clinical options, which include invasive procedures and limited donor availability.

SourceMorgridge Institute for Research·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2025

A chemical approach to expand the developmental potentials of conventional human pluripotent stem cells

Scientists discovered a novel method to activate extraembryonic trophoblast potentials in conventional human pluripotent stem cells through transient treatment of epigenetic regulators. This approach holds promise for advancing understanding and treatment of diseases related to placental development.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2025

First mouse with two male parents to reach adulthood

Researchers successfully created a bi-paternal mouse by modifying genes involved in reproduction. The mice that reached adulthood exhibited altered growth and shortened lifespan, but could potentially lead to new therapeutic strategies for imprinting-related diseases.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 28, 2025

Cracking the genomic code

New research from Sharon Torigoe at Lewis & Clark College confirms the importance of low-affinity binding sites for Klf4 gene enhancers in naive-state pluripotent stem cells. This discovery advances scientists' knowledge of gene expression mechanisms and has implications for regenerative medicine and understanding human disease.

SourceLewis & Clark College·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 2024

Tackling the hurdle of tumor formation in stem cell therapies

A breakthrough discovery by Nara Institute of Science and Technology researchers identifies EPHA2 as a critical surface protein for preserving stem cell potency. This finding holds promise for safer regenerative medicine by reducing the risk of tumorigenesis, paving the way for organ repair and treatment of degenerative conditions.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2024

Cells putting on a face

Researchers have developed a method to differentiate human pluripotent stem cells into cell populations that form patterns resembling the facial primordium. This allows for the creation of an in vitro model to study early facial development and potential treatments for craniofacial disorders.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2024

Study shows genetically modified pluripotent stem cells may evade immunological rejection after transplantation

Researchers have successfully genetically modified pluripotent stem cells to evade immune recognition, offering a viable path forward for pluripotent stem cell-based therapies. The study's findings suggest that these engineered stem cells could pave the way for new treatments for diseases such as Type 1 diabetes and macular degeneration.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalStem Cell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2024

Research from Duke-NUS’ GK Goh Centre for Neuroscience reveals novel ways of cultivating brain cells to treat and study neurodegenerative diseases

Scientists have successfully grown neurons from stem cells that can repair damaged brain tissue after stroke, offering new hope for treatments. The technology also holds promise for studying neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and spinal cord injury.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2023

Scientists produce human norepinephrine neurons from stem cells, with significant implications for researching diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have successfully generated human norepinephrine neurons from stem cells using a key protein called ACTIVIN-A. These LC-NE neurons may serve as models for disease in humans, enabling scientists to screen drugs and answer questions about neurodegeneration.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 17, 2023

First live birth of a chimeric monkey using embryonic stem cell lines

Researchers in China have reported the groundbreaking achievement of creating a live birth of a chimeric monkey using embryonic stem cell lines. The study demonstrates the ability of these cells to differentiate into various tissues in vivo, opening up new possibilities for genetic engineering and species conservation. Analysis reveale...

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2023

The ISSCR introduces “checklist” to promote global best practices for human stem cell research

The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) has introduced a 'checklist' to promote global best practices for human stem cell research. The checklist aims to increase transparency and clarity in the reporting of key quality control measures, enabling authors to disclose critical experimental details.

SourceCell Press·JournalStem Cell Reports·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 14, 2023

Artificially grown ‘mini-brains’ without animal components bring opportunities for neuroscience

Scientists have created human brain organoids free of animal cells, which could greatly improve the study and treatment of neurodegenerative conditions. The novel method uses an engineered extracellular matrix to support stem cell growth, resulting in more accurate models of brain development.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Clinical and Translational Neurology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2023

Innovative stem cell research takes aim at origins of human cancers

A collaborative study by researchers at the University of Ottawa and McMaster University has made a groundbreaking discovery linking different types of cancers to their embryonic origins. The team found that drugs targeting specific embryonic pathways can effectively treat various tumors, including brain, colon, and leukemia cancers.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalCell Chemical Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 28, 2023

Researchers overcome stem cell delivery barrier, paving the way for regenerative medicine

Scientists have developed a new method to deliver genetic information to stem cells using nanoparticles coated with a specific polymer, enabling more efficient control over cellular differentiation. This innovation has the potential to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of regenerative medicine treatments.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2023

Patient-specific cells generated from thymus organoids

The study successfully generated functional patient-specific T-cells and thymic epithelial cells from human pluripotent stem cells using thymus organoids. This breakthrough provides a new experimental model system to investigate thymic insufficiency and function, potentially leading to cell-based treatments for thymic defects.

SourceCell Press·JournalStem Cell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2023

Pluripotent stem cells take over from blood stem cells for future transplant therapies

Researchers have successfully converted pluripotent stem cells into hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells using optimized transcription factors. The resulting PSC-derived cells generated all types of white blood cells in mice without giving rise to tumors or leukemias, suggesting a promising future for PSC-based transplant therapies.

SourceInternational Society for Stem Cell Research·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateFeb 16, 2023

A step in the direction of artificial organs. Scientists find out what stem cell networks look like and where they came from

Researchers have identified a master gene that controls stem cell behavior, found in an ancient fish species, which can be used to improve human stem cell growth. The study sheds light on the evolutionary origins of pluripotent stem cells, a crucial step towards creating artificial organs.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 12, 2022