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Seeing with fresh eyes: Snails as a system for studying sight restoration

Researchers have established apple snails as a system to study eye regeneration, which may hold the key for restoring vision due to damage and disease. The team discovered that the snail eye is anatomically similar to humans and can regrow itself, with genes such as pax6 playing a crucial role in development.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 6, 2025

uOttawa study unveils new insights into how neural stem cells are activated in the adult human brain

A University of Ottawa neuroscientist has led a Canadian research team to discover how neural stem cells integrate signals from different cell types and decode them. The study found that low daughter cell numbers trigger activation, while high numbers keep them in quiescence, offering new insights into cellular relationships and potent...

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateFeb 6, 2025

The origin of stem cells

Researchers identified critical proteins involved in animal stem cell regulation, including SOX and POU transcription factors, which existed in single-celled organisms over 700 million years ago. These ancient proteins retained functional properties that enabled them to induce stem cell reprogramming in mouse cells.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 21, 2024

Keeping close watch on stem cells

Researchers at Osaka University have created an innovative device called INSPCTOR that enables real-time remote monitoring of cell growth in incubators. This technology allows for effective quality control and precise measurement of cellular transformation, which is crucial for advancements in regenerative medicine and drug discovery.

SourceOsaka University·JournalLab on a Chip·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 30, 2024

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

The beginning of life: The early embryo is in the driver's seat

Researchers using 'blastoids' - in vitro models of the blastocyst - discovered that early embryonic signals induce placental development and prepare the uterus. The findings may contribute to a better understanding of human fertility and potentially improve IVF procedures, fertility drugs, and contraceptives.

How genome organization influences cell fate

A team of researchers at UC Riverside has discovered that a protein complex called CAF-1 controls genome organization to maintain lineage fidelity in blood stem cells. The study found that CAF-1 keeps specific genomic sites compacted and inaccessible to transcription factors, ensuring the expression of lineage-specific genes.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2022

Lab grown, self-sustainable muscle cells repair muscle injury and disease, mouse study shows

Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully cultivated human muscle stem cells capable of renewing themselves and repairing muscle tissue damage in mice. The self-renewing stem cells were created by reprogramming laboratory-grown human skin cells, which then differentiated into specific cell types using a nutrient-rich broth.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateApr 20, 2022

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

Culturing cheaper stem cells

Kyoto University scientists have created a more cost-effective culture system for human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), which can support their long-term renewal without expensive growth factors. The new 'AKIT' culture, using three chemical compounds, is five to ten times cheaper than existing methods.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateMar 5, 2018

Epigenetic signaling axis regulates proliferation and self-renewal of neural stem/progenitor cells

Researchers discovered a novel epigenetic signaling axis involving PRC1, microRNA, and PRC2 that regulates the self-renewal and proliferation of neural stem/progenitor cells. The study found that Ezh2 represses miR-203 expression, which negatively regulates self-renewal and proliferation but promotes neuronal differentiation.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateJun 12, 2017

Researchers describe bone marrow stem cell population with potential for repeat transplantation

A new study reveals that non-blood cell forming stem cells in human bone marrow play a crucial role in maintaining the hematopoietic microenvironment and retain self-renewal potential after primary and secondary transplantations. The findings suggest an alternative to traditional hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalStem Cells and Development·DateNov 9, 2016

New stem cell model valuable tool for studying Andersen's syndrome

Researchers successfully reprogrammed muscle cells from patients with Andersen's syndrome to create induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, which can serve as a model for understanding the cause of the rare disorder. The iPS cells demonstrated self-renewal and pluripotency capabilities without affecting the gene mutation known to cause AS.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalStem Cells and Development·DateFeb 1, 2016

USC researcher reveals how to better master stem cells' fate

Researchers at USC have identified a novel way of culturing human ESCs by focusing on the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway. This discovery reveals the important role of Tfcp2l1 in communicating to ESCs that they should self-renew, offering promise for developing stem cell-based therapies for diseases such as Parkinson's and spinal co...

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 23, 2013

How long do stem cells live?

Researchers created a computer program that predicts the lifespan of hematopoietic stem cells, finding that each cell has a set amount of time for self-renewal. This understanding can improve the safety and efficacy of bone marrow transplants and potentially lead to breakthroughs in regenerative medicine.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2011

Predicting the fate of stem cells

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a new method to predict the fate of stem cells using advanced computer vision technology. With up to 99 percent accuracy, this method can forecast how cells will divide and what characteristics their daughter cells will exhibit.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalNature Methods·DateMar 1, 2010