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Molecular beacons light up stem cell transformation

Researchers designed molecular beacons that bind to mRNA of three genes expressed only when stem cells transform into bone cells, allowing for real-time monitoring of gene expression. The technology provides a tool for discovering optimal conditions for stem cell differentiation and identifying desired tissue cells.

SourceBrown University·JournalTissue Engineering Part A·DateSep 11, 2012

Faster, cheaper gas and liquid separation using custom designed and built mesoscopic structures

Researchers at Kyoto University's iCeMS have developed a process to create custom-designed porous coordination polymer architectures for high-efficiency, low-cost gas and liquid separation. The new method, called 'reverse fossilization,' transforms inorganic materials into organic structures with preserved shape and form.

Successful transplantation of tissue-engineered vein in a child offers hope for patients who lack suitable veins for dialysis or bypass surgery

A 10-year-old girl's successful transplantation of a tissue-engineered vein has dramatically improved her quality of life, avoiding complications associated with synthetic grafts and lifelong immunosuppressive drugs. The procedure restored normal blood flow and significantly enhanced her physical growth.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 13, 2012

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation increases survival in systemic sclerosis patients

A phase III trial showed that haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) significantly increases long-term survival compared to conventional treatment for patients with poor prognosis early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. The study found more deaths in the conventional group, with half of them being treatment-related.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJun 7, 2012

Research yields new clues to how brain cancer cells migrate and invade

Researchers have discovered that the NKCC1 protein may hold key to understanding how glioblastoma, the deadliest type of brain cancer, moves and invades healthy brain tissue. Blocking NKCC1 with a cheap FDA-approved drug slows movement of glioblastoma cells, suggesting a potential new approach to treat this aggressive cancer.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 1, 2012

The fat stopper

Researchers at the University of Delaware have identified a protein called endoglin that regulates the creation of fat cells. By decreasing the amount of this protein on the surface of cells, it may be possible to force fat cells to transform into other cell types, potentially leading to new treatments for osteoporosis and obesity.

New hormone for lowering blood sugar

Researchers have discovered a hormone that can be produced by fat stem cells to lower blood sugar levels and improve metabolism. The hormone appears to bypass the need for insulin, sending glucose out of the bloodstream and into muscle cells.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateApr 3, 2012

Bone marrow stem cells improve heart function, study finds

A study led by Mayo Clinic researchers found that bone marrow-derived stem cells improved ejection fraction, a measure of the left ventricle's pumping ability, by 2.7% in patients with chronic heart failure. The most significant improvements were seen in younger patients and those with enriched CD34+ and CD133+ type of stem cells.

New 'magnetic yeast' marks step toward harnessing Nature's magnetic capabilities

Scientists have developed a method to imbue yeast with magnetic properties, enabling potential applications in medical, industrial, and research settings. The technology could be used to target and isolate specific cells, guiding them toward certain manufacturing processes or interacting with non-living machinery.

A faster way to catch cells

A new microfluidic device can isolate target cells much faster than existing devices, using a soft membrane with nanoscale pores to guide fluid and bring cells in contact with antibodies. This technology could be used for point-of-care diagnostics and personalized medicine applications, such as cancer diagnosis.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateFeb 22, 2012