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Sea squirt cells shed light on cancer development

A research team led by Bradley Davidson discovered that specialized structures in sea squirt cells, called invadopodia, may help cancer cells evade elimination processes. In contrast to cancer cells, sea squirt cells use these structures to pick up chemical signals for development, not invasion.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJul 26, 2011

Study finds cryopreserved endothelial progenitor cells phenotypically identical to non-frozen

A study published in Cell Transplantation found that cryopreserved endothelial progenitor cells have the same phenotypic, structural, and functional properties as non-frozen cells. This discovery eliminates the need for cell isolation procedures before using these cells in clinical transplantation.

Human umbilical cord blood cells aid diabetic wound healing

Researchers found that transplanted EPCs from human umbilical cord blood significantly accelerated wound closure in diabetic mouse models. The study showed that growth factors and cytokines produced at the wounded skin sites contributed to healing. This experimental study opens the possibility of using endothelial progenitor cells deri...

Study identifies cells that give rise to brown fat

Scientists at Joslin Diabetes Center have identified progenitor cells in mouse white fat tissue and skeletal muscle that can be transformed into brown fat cells. The study found that exposure to the protein BMP-7 and the diabetes drug rosiglitazone increased conversion rates, suggesting a potential for cell-based brown fat therapies.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 20, 2010

The secret of life may be as simple as what happens between the sheets -- mica sheets

The 'life between the sheets' hypothesis proposes that structured compartments formed between layers of mica could have sheltered and evolved pre-life molecules. Mica's unique properties make it an ideal environment for life to emerge, with its ability to withstand wet/dry cycles and provide a stable surface for cells to develop.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalJournal of Theoretical Biology·DateAug 5, 2010

Supplement your stem cells

Researchers discover a commercially available supplement stimulates production of hematopoietic stem cells, repairing the body. The supplement increases levels of these cells in the blood over a two-week period, showing potential for treating conditions associated with low cell counts.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Translational Medicine·DateApr 7, 2010

New source discovered for the generation of nerve cells in the brain

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have discovered a new source of nerve cell generation in the adult brain, specifically in the olfactory bulb. This discovery may lead to new therapeutic approaches for Alzheimer's disease, where nerve cell degeneration plays a crucial role.

Genetics of patterning the cerebral cortex

Researchers at Salk Institute discover critical period during which Lhx2 decides progenitors' regional identity, determining the development of distinct cortical regions. This knowledge may help understand neurodegenerative disorders and specify stem cells to repair brain damage.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateOct 12, 2009

Low-carb diets linked to atherosclerosis and impaired blood vessel growth

A study led by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that mice on low-carb diets developed significantly more atherosclerosis and had impaired ability to form new blood vessels compared to those on Western or standard diets. Standard markers of cardiovascular risk, including cholesterol, were not affected.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2009

Stem cell 'daughters' lead to breast cancer

A study by Walter and Eliza Hall Institute scientists suggests that luminal progenitor cells, the 'daughters' of breast stem cells, are likely responsible for basal-like breast tumours in women with BRCA1 mutations. The research, published in Nature Medicine, represents a major shift in understanding how breast cancer develops.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 2, 2009

JCI table of contents: April 22, 2008

A new non-invasive method to determine tumor oxygen levels and image surrounding tissues has been developed, offering promising insights into tumor development. Researchers suggest that this approach could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment strategies for tumors and other diseases.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 22, 2008