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How the developing human brain takes instructions: Two UCLA studies reveal what guides its most important stem cells

Two UCLA studies published in Cell and Science uncover the role of metabolism and physical signals in guiding radial glia to produce specific cell types in the developing human cortex. Metabolic research found that the pentose phosphate pathway influences cell fate, while thalamic projections make direct physical contact with radial gl...

New ‘nanobone’ could help body regrow bone

Researchers develop biodegradable nanobone material that activates body's own healing properties to regrow bone, reducing need for invasive procedures. The material generates 80% more new bone than a material control and activates a key bone-repair growth factor with 10 times the level achieved using conventional methods.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2026

New method creates human trophoblast stem cells from late-gestation placentas

Researchers at Kumamoto University and collaborators developed a method to produce human trophoblast stem cells from late-gestation placentas, opening a new avenue for studying pregnancy complications. The resulting patient-derived models reproduce key features associated with preeclampsia, enabling the uncovering of molecular mechanis...

SourceKumamoto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2026

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

A UC Riverside-led study suggests that vanillin flavoring in e-cigarettes may disrupt the normal development of embryos in pregnant women who vape. Researchers found that high concentrations of vanillin can cause human embryonic stem cells to lose pluripotency and differentiate into endoderm, potentially leading to serious developmenta...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2026

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

Engineered human neurons rebuild damaged spinal cord circuits

Scientists at Gladstone Institutes have developed a regenerative treatment using stem cell-derived spinal interneurons to repair damaged neural networks in rats. The new cells not only survived and formed connections with the animals' own neural circuits but also improved breathing-related motor function after transplantation.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 5, 2026

Pediatric investigation study reveals subtle lung function differences before pediatric stem cell transplant

A new study found that children preparing for stem cell transplantation already have subtle respiratory abnormalities, including increased small-airway resistance and greater lung stiffness. These abnormalities are likely related to their underlying disease or previous therapies rather than the transplant itself.

SourcePediatric Investigation·JournalPediatric Investigation·TypeObservational study·DateAug 3, 2026

Hidden cell network offers new clues to intestinal healing and disease

Researchers have discovered a hidden network of specialized mesenchymal support cells in the intestine that work together to maintain its inner lining. The study found four distinct populations of cells with unique genetic programs, each occupying specific locations and influencing stem cell activity and immune responses.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 20, 2026

New clinical data presented at ISSCR 2026 demonstrate one-year survival of stem cell-derived neural progenitor cells in patients with retinitis pigmentosa

A Phase 1/2a clinical study demonstrates long-term survival of transplanted human neural progenitor cells in patients with retinitis pigmentosa, maintaining a favorable safety profile. Visual acuity remained stable, and imaging showed cells remaining present in the subretinal space for at least one year.

Aging-linked cells emerge as unexpected allies in tendon healing

Recent studies suggest that p16INK4a+ cells, previously thought to be non-beneficial due to their association with aging, actually contribute to tendon regeneration. These mesenchymal cells produce collagen and factors promoting new blood vessel and nerve growth, crucial for normal tendon function.

SourceEditorial Office of West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University·JournalBone Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2026

Rethinking the governance of human embryo model research

The revised guidelines in Japan bring human embryo model research under a single oversight system, requiring ethics review and public availability of findings. Key differences with international guidelines, such as ISSCR, concern the definition of human embryo models and covered research types, including organoid studies.

Scientists uncover key protein that helps build and strengthen bone

Researchers found that CAR3 coordinates bone formation and regeneration by forming a molecular complex with collagen type I alpha 1 and recruiting bone sialoprotein. The study identified CAR3 as a previously unrecognized regulator of osteoblast differentiation, highlighting its potential for treating bone disorders.

SourceEditorial Office of West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University·JournalInternational Journal of Oral Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2026

Terasaki Institute researchers and key pioneers publish comprehensive review on glioma organoid models, proposing new classification framework for brain cancer research

Terasaki Institute researchers and key pioneers publish comprehensive review on glioma organoid models, proposing a foundational classification framework to guide translational brain tumor research. The review provides an overview of human glioma organoid systems and aims to address methodological heterogeneity in the field.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalNeuro-Oncology·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 15, 2026

How do plants survive constant DNA damage?

Researchers found a unique protein called YAF9B that helps plants protect their stem cells from DNA damage. This discovery sheds light on how plants coordinate DNA repair processes, which could improve future crops by guiding more precise genome editing.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2026

Budget-friendly lab-grown steak with realistic texture cooked up

Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have created a novel method for cultivating meat using plant-derived cellulose scaffolds. This approach significantly reduces production costs by infusing growth factors directly into the scaffold, allowing for comparable tissue development with lower factor usage.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalCurrent Research in Food Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2026

Intestinal stem cells can fight back against salmonella scientists discover

Researchers identified a defense mechanism in intestinal stem cells that actively responds to Salmonella infection, differentiating into antimicrobial Paneth cells to limit bacterial persistence. The study suggests that stem cell differentiation is part of an intrinsic protective program preserving intestinal function during infection.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2026

‘Mobile’ DNA elements may have expanded gene regulatory networks in brain development

A study found that transposable elements, once considered non-functional DNA, contribute to the evolution and expansion of gene regulation during neural development. The findings suggest a two-phase model of TE acquisition during evolution, involving both ancient and more recent expansions that shaped modern gene regulatory networks.

SourceKindai University·JournalGenome Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 12, 2026

A tiny cell structure with a big role in brain development

Researchers at University of California - Riverside discovered that the primary cilium, a microscopic structure inside nearly every cell, plays a critical role in brain development. The study found that proteins associated with the cilium are directly linked to human developmental disorders and that protein production occurs directly w...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2026

Early human embryonic cells may be vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection

Researchers discovered that early-stage ectoderm cells are especially susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, with heightened vulnerability driven by elevated TMPRSS2 activity and thinner glycocalyx. This raises concerns about potential developmental risks, particularly for infants born to mothers infected during early pregnancy.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2026

Progress in stem cell therapy for type 1 diabetes

Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have created a new method to produce insulin-producing cells from human stem cells, effectively regulating blood sugar levels in laboratory tests and reversing diabetes in mice. The optimized production process yields more mature and purer cells, demonstrating their potential for future treatments.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalStem Cell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2026

Beyond cell death: The hidden drivers of stem cell aging

A recent study reveals that MLKL activation causes direct damage to mitochondria, impairing energy production and leading to functional decline in hematopoietic stem cells. In contrast, deletion or inhibition of MLKL significantly alleviates these defects, suggesting a post-transcriptional mechanism driving HSC aging.

SourceThe Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2026

How fetal reversion supports intestinal regeneration and preserves stem cells

Researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo discovered a unique mechanism in which conventional stem cells can temporarily switch into a specialized regenerative state called revival stem cells, driving tissue repair. This process, known as fetal reversion, enables efficient regeneration without exhausting the stem cell pool.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2026