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Study: Resilience in parents of children undergoing stem cell transplant

A recent study published in Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation found that parents of children undergoing stem cell transplant experience increased distress during the procedure but recover to normal levels of adjustment. Parents demonstrate remarkable recovery despite facing significant life challenges.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalBiology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation·DateFeb 11, 2014

3-D imaging provides window into living cells, no dye required

A new imaging technique called white-light diffraction tomography (WDT) provides high-resolution, three-dimensional images of living cells without the need for dyes or chemicals. This allows researchers to study cellular processes and dynamics in a non-invasive manner, enabling unprecedented insights into cell function and behavior.

Moffitt researchers discover mechanism controlling the development of myelodysplastic

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have discovered a control mechanism that can trigger the development of myelodysplastic syndromes by promoting inflammation and preventing healthy blood cells from developing. The study found that targeting this mechanism may lead to new treatment options for people with certain blood cancers.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 17, 2013

Will stem cell therapy help cure spinal cord injury?

A systematic review of animal studies found that stem cell therapy can improve sensory and motor outcomes for spinal cord injury patients, with average improvements of 25% in both areas. The study's meta-analysis also revealed important lessons on how to design future animal studies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 17, 2013

Between B cells and T cells

Researchers discovered that the transcription factor EBF1 is crucial for maintaining B cell identity and preventing alternative fates. When EBF1 was switched off, transplanted B cells forgot their previous identity and developed into T cells and natural killer cells.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Immunology·DateJul 23, 2013

A secret to making macrophages

Researchers at Caltech have discovered a new mechanism for creating macrophages by increasing the accumulation of regulatory protein PU.1 through slowed cell division. The process involves an unexpected cycle where cell division slows, allowing higher PU.1 levels to accumulate and prompt macrophage generation.

Stem cell clues uncovered

Lamins are essential proteins supporting the organization of stem cell niches, which regulate proliferation and differentiation of germline stem cells. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of diseases caused by lamin mutations and their impact on tissue degeneration.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 12, 2013

Common genetic disease linked to father's age

A new study from USC researchers has found that a genetic mutation in testis stem cells increases the production of sperm carrying the disease trait, making older fathers more likely to pass it along to their children. This mutation gives an edge over normal stem cells, resulting in higher frequencies of new cases every generation.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJun 6, 2013

Heart cells change stem cell behavior

Researchers found that amniotic fluid stem cells can communicate with mature heart cells through channels in the membrane, forming functional gap junction connections. However, these cells do not differentiate into cardiac tissue under these conditions.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine·DateMay 2, 2013

Healing by the clock

Researchers found that intestinal stem-cell regeneration in fruit flies varies with the time of day, with gut healing being more effective at certain times. This study sheds light on how circadian rhythms control daily functions and has potential applications for human health, including optimizing chemotherapy timing.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 11, 2013

New material system permits 3-D patterning to regulate stem cell behavior

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University developed a new material system that permits 3D patterning to regulate stem cell behavior, offering promise for studying influences on cell fate decisions. The technique enables local control over cell proliferation and differentiation, potentially allowing the engineering of complex tissues.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateApr 11, 2013

Japanese researchers succeed in making generations of mouse clones

Researchers at RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology successfully cloned mice multiple times using somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) technique, overcoming previous limitations. The study published in Cell Stem Cell reveals no accumulation of genetic or epigenetic abnormalities after repeated cloning.

SourceRIKEN·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMar 7, 2013

Cell circuits remember their history

Researchers at MIT have designed new synthetic biology circuits that combine memory and logic, enabling the creation of long-term environmental sensors and efficient controls for biomanufacturing. These circuits can be used to program stem cells to differentiate into other cell types and provide precise long-term memory.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateFeb 11, 2013

Altering eye cells may 1 day restore vision

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine reprogrammed eye cells to prevent degeneration and allowed mice with retinitis pigmentosa to see. The study aims to develop therapies that can alleviate many forms of visual impairment by modifying existing cells in the eye.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 25, 2013