Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Building the ovarian environment from stem cells

Researchers at Kyushu University successfully reconstitute the ovarian follicle from mouse stem cells, generating functional egg cells and growing viable mice. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for infertility and help conserve endangered animals through egg cell production.

SourceKyushu University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021

Stem cell model for early human embryo development

Researchers at KAUST have developed an in vitro model of early human embryogenesis using extended pluripotent stem cells, overcoming ethical concerns. The model, called EPS-blastoids, is a faithful representation of the earliest moments of human development and holds promise for studying developmental defects and regenerative medicine.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalCell Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2021

Brain organoids mimic head size changes associated with type of autism

Researchers have created brain organoids from people with 16p11.2 genomic variations, which exhibit differences in brain size seen in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The study revealed new information about molecular mechanisms that malfunction when this region is disrupted, providing opportunities for therapeutic intervention.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateAug 25, 2021

New research may help scientists grow more complex and mature heart tissue in the lab

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed pre-epicardial cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells, which support embryonic heart formation and can be used to generate functioning heart tissue. This breakthrough could lead to novel therapies for heart failure, end-stage lung disease, and kidney disease.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 18, 2021

Brain organoids develop optic cups that respond to light

Researchers generated brain organoids containing functional optic cups from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), demonstrating intrinsic self-patterning ability. The optic cups exhibited light sensitivity, diverse retinal cell types, and connectivity to brain regions.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2021

Light can trigger key signaling pathway for embryonic development, cancer

Scientists at the University of Illinois have developed a method to regulate the Wnt signaling pathway using blue light, allowing them to study its functions in embryonic development and cancer. This approach enables precise control over the pathway's activity, potentially leading to new treatments for tissue repair and cancer research.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2021

Princess Margaret Cancer Centre researchers discover key stem cell dormancy mechanism which could help unlock future cancer treatments

Scientists at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre have made a breakthrough discovery in understanding how dormant hematopoietic stem cells are activated, which could lead to new therapeutic targets for various cancers. The team found that lysosomes act as key signaling hubs regulating long-term hematopoietic stem cells.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateAug 2, 2021

A detailed atlas of the developing brain

Researchers at Harvard University have created a comprehensive molecular atlas of the developing somatosensory cortex, providing insights into how gene activity and regulation change over time. The study sheds light on the complex process of cortical development, including when different neuron populations are established.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateJun 23, 2021

Mount Sinai researchers identify mechanisms that are essential for proper skin development

Researchers found that Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) and Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) maintain the skin-specific gene expression pattern necessary for proper development of the skin. The study suggests that targeting both complexes may be a more effective form of treatment for certain cancers.

Potential drug target revealed to help more children survive a lethal heart defect

A new study has identified a potential therapeutic target, fibronectin (FN1), to improve endocardial function and regenerate cardiac valves, septum, and coronary vessels in children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. This discovery offers hope for increasing heart chamber size and reducing the need for multiple surgeries.

Researchers find that nicotinamide may help treat fibrotic eye diseases and mitigate vision loss

A new study found that nicotinamide inhibits aggressive cell transformations and reverses the development of fibrous membranes in the retina, potentially treating fibrotic eye diseases. The compound also promotes the transition from mesenchymal to epithelial cells, helping to preserve their original identity.

Modeling the human eye in a dish

Scientists from Osaka University created a new cellular model of the human eye using hiPSCs, enabling them to isolate specific cells involved in eye development and study related diseases. The novel model uses PITX2, a key protein during eye development, to track cell expression and differentiate between eye cells.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 24, 2020

Mapping the future direction for bioprinting research

The bioprinting research roadmap identifies key areas of progress and development, including advancements in bioinks, 3D printing processes, and crosslinking techniques. The report also highlights the potential for bioprinting to create complex biological models and therapeutic products.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBiofabrication·DateFeb 7, 2020

Identification of a key protein linked to ageing

Scientists from Institut Pasteur have identified a key protein associated with ageing, which is progressively depleted in cells leading to senescence. The discovery sheds light on the mechanisms of senescence and its link to cellular ageing, paving the way for potential therapeutic targets.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 9, 2019

Retina-on-a-chip provides powerful tool for studying eye disease

Scientists have developed a retina-on-a-chip technology that recreates the human retina's complex tissue architecture, enabling the efficient study of eye diseases and screening for drug side effects. The tool uses living human cells with an artificial tissue-like system, mimicking the body's environment and blood vessels.

SourceeLife·DateAug 27, 2019

A road map to stem cell development

Researchers have created a method to track gene expression in cells during development, providing unprecedented detail. This technique could be used to develop future regenerative treatments for diseases like macular degeneration and other neurological disorders.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateMay 22, 2019

The immaculate conception?

Researchers at Hebrew University have discovered a way to transform skin cells into the three major stem cell types that comprise early-stage embryos. This breakthrough has significant implications for modelling embryonic disease, placental dysfunctions, and infertility problems by creating human embryos in a petri dish.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMay 2, 2019

New machine learning model describes dynamics of cell development

Researchers developed a new machine learning model to describe the dynamics of cell development, estimating selection pressure and formation of new cells. The tool simplifies the interpretation of single-cell time series observations, shedding light on vital questions in biology.

Stem cell growth accelerated by tropoelastin protein

A new method of growing stem cells has been discovered using the tropoelastin protein, which could lead to significant cost savings in treatment options. This breakthrough discovery, published in PNAS, uses a cost-effective approach to encourage the growth and recruitment of mesenchymal stem cells.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 31, 2019

How invading jumping genes are thwarted

Researchers found that reproductive stem cells boost production of non-coding RNA elements to suppress jumping gene activity and activate DNA repair processes, enabling normal egg development. Temperature influences sterility in fruit flies, with a specific temperature range controlling jumping gene invasion intensity.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateNov 1, 2018